Carlo Domenici - (Livorno 1897 - Portoferraio 1981) - Maremma Rider
oil on board, 35x50cm With frame 50x65cm signed lower left.
Carlo Domenici (Livorno 1897 - Isola d'Elba 1981) is one of the foremost representatives of the Livornese group of the Labronici, founded in 1920 at Caffè Bardi, a historic meeting place for the movement's members. The artists of the group share a style attributable to post-Macchiaioli; the subjects depicted (the Tuscan countryside and seascapes, farmers and animals at work...) also show how the Labronici shared with their Macchiaioli predecessors a love for their land. Carlo Domenici, after academic training, dedicated himself to the 'macchia' painting style. Scenes of rural life where naturalism and chromatic pleasure merge. Tuscany is always the protagonist of his landscapes, particularly three areas of his land: the Maremma, with its farmers and animals working in the fields, close in style and technique to the great Fattori; bucolic masterpieces, where the warm tones of the countryside blend with the harsh features of men and women harvesting or threshing wheat. The Island of Elba and its marine scenes; paintings that capture the atmosphere and sea breeze through vibrant tones and lively lights. Finally, his beloved Livorno, described with precise details and strong emotionality. In 1940 he moved to Florence but did not abandon his cherished subjects, often returning to his native places to portray his countryside. In 1970 he settled permanently on the Island of Elba, and in 1976 a stroke paralyzed his right arm, preventing him from continuing his painting career consistently. The death of his wife plunged Domenici into despair. The only great satisfaction of his final years was his appointment as President of the Labronico Group in 1979, a position he held until the year of his death, 1981.
