Giovanni Fattori: 100th anniversary of death

30th, August 2008 is 100th anniversary of death of an Italian painter Giovanni Fattori. He was born in 1825 in Livorno. But the most part of his life he had spent in Florence. Here in 1846-1849 he completed the course of famous Academy of Art. Starting 1869 Fattori had been teaching in Alma mater. He was already famous as the leading master of Macchiaioli group at that time.

The history of the origin of “Macchiaioli” reminds the story of the origin of “Impressionism”. Both names were used by critics in ironical sense. But this is not the only likeness. The representatives of the both groups preferred to work in the open air. The expressiveness of the light and technique of the dab played the most important role. The word “Macchia” means “spot” in Italian.

Giovanni Fattori is the member of the revolution events of 1848-1849. He had become well known for his battle paintings. Although small sketches that describe the sincerity of everyday life are considered to be the true masterpieces of the master.

The works of Giovanni Fattori are not very well known outside Italy. The main part of his paintings are exhibited in his native places: Livorno and Florence. This summer the capital of Tuscany has organized “Fattori and Naturalism” exhibition. Which managed once again to remind people about distinctive artist – Giovanni Fattori.