Alberto
Magnelli
Magnelli's journey from Florentine self-taught artist to influential abstract painter marks him as a pivotal figure in 20th century art. If you're looking for Alberto Magnelli original prints and editions for sale or would like to sell, request a complimentary valuation and browse our network's most in-demand works.
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Biography
Alberto Magnelli, born in Florence on 1 July 1888, emerged as a self-taught artist who would become a significant figure in the development of abstract art. Despite his lack of formal training, Magnelli's natural talent and innovative approach quickly garnered attention. By 1909, he had secured a place in the Venice Biennale.
Magnelli's artistic journey was shaped by the rich cultural heritage of Florence and the artistic movements of his time. His early works, influenced by Fauvism, demonstrated a bold use of colour that would remain a hallmark of his style throughout his career. However, it was his exposure to Italian Futurism and his subsequent encounters with the Parisian avant-garde that would set him on the path to abstraction.
In 1914, Magnelli made his first trip to Paris, a pivotal moment in his artistic development. There, he met artists including Pablo Picasso and Fernand Léger, whose work would have a lasting impact on his artistic language. This exposure to Cubism and other Modernist movements catalysed Magnelli's shift towards a more abstracted style.
Magnelli's artistic evolution was marked by a series of phases, each contributing to his position in the abstract art movement. In the 1930s, he began experimenting with what he called Pierres Éclatées (Exploded Stones), a series of paintings inspired by the forms of quarried stone. This work, characterised by interlocking geometric shapes and a muted colour palette, marked a significant step in his journey towards abstraction.
The outbreak of World War II saw Magnelli return to Florence, where he continued to refine his abstract style. During this period, he produced some of his most notable works, including the Ardoises series, which featured compositions in gouache on slate. These works, with their emphasis on form and texture, further cemented Magnelli's reputation as an innovative abstract artist.
Post-war, Magnelli's influence grew significantly. He became a leading figure in the Concrete Art movement, which advocated for a purely abstract art based on mathematical and geometric forms. His work during this period was characterised by bold, flat colours and sharply defined shapes, often arranged in complex, rhythmic compositions.
Magnelli's contributions to abstract art were recognised with several major exhibitions. In 1950, he was honoured with a dedicated room at the Venice Biennale, showcasing 18 of his works from 1914 to 1948. This retrospective solidified his position as a major figure in the international art scene. In 1955 and 1959, he participated in the documenta exhibitions in Kassel.