Luigi Bartolini

Luigi Bartolini, born on February 8, 1892, in Cupramontana, Italy, was one of the leading Italian engravers of the twentieth century, as well as a painter, writer, and poet. He trained at the Academy of Fine Arts in Rome and the Spanish Academy, furthering his studies in Florence where he engaged with works by masters such as Rembrandt, Goya, and Giovanni Fattori. His first etching dates back to 1909, and throughout his career, he participated in nearly every Venice Biennale from 1928 to 1962, receiving numerous awards including the engraving prize in 1942. Bartolini is recognized for revitalizing etching by freeing it from decadent symbolism and academic vedutismo, making it a poetic and personal expressive medium. Besides his artistic work, he had a significant teaching career across various Italian cities. His literary output includes works like "Ladri di biciclette" (1946) and "Il mezzano Alipio" (1951). Bartolini described himself as a "celestial anarchist," focused on art rather than politics. He passed away in Rome on May 16, 1963.