From 29 March to 29 June 2025, XNL Piacenza will host an exhibition entitled ‘Giovanni Fattori 1825-1908. Il genio dei Macchiaioli(The ‘genius’ of the Macchiaioli)’, dedicated to one of the main protagonists of the Macchiaioli movement, to celebrate the bicentenary of his birth. The exhibition offers a new interpretation of his figure, exploring his influence in the art of the 19th century and beyond.
The exhibition is enriched with an in-depth look at Fattori's impact on subsequent art, highlighting his extraordinary innovation, at the Galleria d'Arte Moderna Ricci Oddi.
Giovanni Fattori (Leghorn, 1825 - Florence, 1908) was a pillar of the Macchiaioli movement, revolutionising the artistic landscape of the 19th century. Capable of mastering various pictorial genres, Fattori delved into the ‘macchia’ technique, giving rise to an important stylistic revolution. Alongside this research, he dealt with portraits, landscapes en plein air, rural life and, in particular, the Maremma, a place that symbolised a peasant world that he loved and set against urban modernity. His military works are also an accurate exploration of the Wars of Independence and garrison life, between epic depictions and more intimate moments.
The exhibition, which opens simultaneously with the publication of a catalogue raisonné on the artist, is curated by experts in the field, including the Matteucci Institute of Viareggio and Milan. It focuses on different aspects of his work, with a particular focus on his graphic production, which includes etchings of great visual impact. These works testify to his ability to innovate through a technique complementary to painting.
Fattori left an indelible mark on 20th century culture, inspiring renowned directors such as Sergio Leone and Luchino Visconti, who drew on his atmospheres in the films Senso (1954) and The Leopard (1963).
The exhibition concludes with photographs by Elger Esser, which offer a unique visual reflection. His images, characterised by a fascinating balance between landscape and historical memory, open a contemporary dialogue with Fattori's 19th century naturalism.
Updates, info and detailed programs at visitpiacenza.it
