Carlo Domenici (livorno 1897 - Isola D’elba 1981) - Landscape

Oil painting on panel 104x60cm with frame 126x82cm

signed lower right

Carlo Domenici (Livorno 1897 - Isola d'Elba 1981) was one of the main representatives of Leghorn's Labronici group, founded in 1920 at Caffè Bardi, the historic meeting place of the movement's members. The artists of the group shared a style attributable to post-Macchiaiolism; even the subjects represented (the Tuscan countryside and seascapes, peasants and animals at work...) show that the Labronici shared with their Macchiaioli ancestors a love of the land. Carlo Domenici, after an academic training, devoted himself to macchia painting. Scenes of rural life where naturalism and chromatic pleasure are combined. Tuscany is always the protagonist of his landscapes, in particular three areas of his territory: the Maremma, with its peasants and animals at work in the fields, close in style and technique to the great Fattori; masterpieces with a bucolic flavour, in which the warm tones of the countryside mingle with the harsh features of men and women harvesting or threshing wheat. The island of Elba and its marine scenes; paintings in which the atmosphere and the sea breeze are captured in vivid tones and vibrant lights. Finally, his beloved Livorno, described with precise detail and strong emotionality. In 1940, he moved to Florence, but did not abandon the subjects that were dear to him, often returning to his places of origin to paint his landscapes. In 1970, he settled permanently on the island of Elba and in 1976, a stroke paralysed his right arm, preventing him from continuing his career as a painter. The death of his wife plunged him into despair. The only great satisfaction of his last years was his appointment as president of the Labronico group in 1979, a position he held until his death in 1981.