Felice Casorati

Felice Casorati, born on December 4, 1883, in Novara, Italy, was one of the most influential Italian painters of the early twentieth century. The son of a military officer, he spent his childhood moving between various Italian cities, including Milan, Reggio Emilia, and Sassari, where he developed his artistic sensitivity partly influenced by his father. After attending classical high school in Padua, he graduated in Law in 1906 but soon devoted himself entirely to art, beginning his apprenticeship under Giovanni Vianello. Casorati made his debut at the Venice Biennale in 1907 with a portrait of his sister Elvira and participated in many subsequent editions, establishing his reputation in the Italian and European art scenes.
His painting, influenced by Jugendstil and metaphysical art, is characterized by static and severe forms, with emblematic works such as "L'attesa" (1921) and "Conversazione platonica" (1925). Casorati was also a set designer and teacher, contributing to Turin's artistic culture as director and president of the Albertina Academy. His work ranged from painting to theatrical set design, as well as illustrations and iconic advertising masterpieces, including the famous painting for the launch of the Fiat 600.
Throughout his long career, Casorati maintained a personal style that favored stillness and suspended time, in stark contrast to the dynamism of his Futurist contemporaries. He died in Turin on March 1, 1963, continuing to work until the last days of his life. His work remains a cornerstone of Italian Magic Realism and twentieth-century artistic culture.