The drawing “Shells”, created in 1932 by Giorgio Morandi, constitutes a significant example of his graphic research and of his constant reflection on the theme of still life. The work presents an essential composition, in which several shells are arranged horizontally and defined through a calibrated line, free from any superfluous descriptive intent. In this sense, the drawing fits within Morandi’s poetics of reduction and visual concentration.
In the 1930s, Morandi further explored the relationship between object, space and light, favouring everyday and natural subjects such as bottles, vases and shells. In particular, in this work the light line constructs the forms through tonal variations and subtle fields, avoiding sharp contrasts. Consequently, the image appears suspended in a silent space, without environmental references, a typical element of his mature language.
Therefore, “Shells” represents an authentic and coherent testimony to Giorgio Morandi’s poetics, in which drawing becomes a privileged instrument of formal and visual meditation.
Description: Pencil on paper, signed and dated lower right Morandi 1932, H cm 18.4×25.8.
Notes: Bearing on the reverse labels: Salvaterra Collection – Modena, Sara Hildén Art Museum – Tampere (Finland), Musée Cantini – Marseille (France), Giorgio Morandi – Centenary Exhibition Bologna Galleria Comunale d’Arte Moderna and other transport labels.
Publication: ‘Giorgio Morandi – Centenary Exhibition’ Bologna – Galleria Comunale d’Arte Moderna, Electa – Milan 1990 – no. 208, p. 276.
Exhibitions: Reggio Emilia – 1966, Lugano – 1977, Madrid-Barcelona-Marseille – 1984/85 no. 89, Milan-Bologna – 1985/86 no. 28, Paris – 1987 no. 66, Tampere – 1988 no. 91, Leningrad-Moscow – 1989 no. 89, London – 1989; Locarno – 1989 no. 89; Tubingen-Düsseldorf – 1989-90 no. 160; Bologna 1990.
Provenance: Salvaterra Collection – Modena.
Hammer Price: € 35.960,00
Auction 38 – 27 May 2020 –Paintings – Sculptures – Graphic Works
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