Riccardo Francalancia (Assisi, 1886–Rome, 1965) was an Italian painter associated with Magical Realism. In his landscapes, familiar places take on an unusual stillness. A façade, a square, or a hillside becomes part of a world that seems suspended in time.
From Banking to Rome’s Artistic Circles
After studying political science, Francalancia worked in banking while developing his interest in painting. His involvement in Rome’s cultural life helped shape his artistic direction.
The Casa d’Arte Bragaglia and Caffè Aragno played an important role in this experience. These meeting places brought him into contact with the artists, writers, and critics who animated the city’s intellectual life.
Mario Broglio and Valori Plastici
Mario Broglio, founder of the journal Valori Plastici, supported Riccardo Francalancia’s work.
In 1921, he invited the artist to participate in Das junge Italien, an exhibition presented in several German cities.
During the 1920s, Francalancia also took part in exhibitions associated with Novecento Italiano. In 1929, his painting received recognition from the critic Roberto Longhi.
Riccardo Francalancia and Magical Realism
The landscapes of Umbria and Lazio, together with views of Rome, hold a central place in Francalancia’s work. His subjects remain recognizable, yet the stillness of his compositions lends them an almost unreal presence.
This sensibility connects his painting with that of Antonio Donghi and Francesco Trombadori. His work also belongs within the broader artistic context of the Scuola Romana.
The German art critic Franz Roh introduced the term magical realism in 1925. It offers a way to understand painting in which close observation reveals something quietly mysterious within everyday reality.
Exhibitions and Recognition
He was at the Venice Biennale in 1932 with five paintings. In 1935, Riccardo Francalancia participated in the Second Rome Quadriennale. His paintings on display included Paesaggio crepuscolare.
He took part in the Novecento Italiano exhibition organized by Margherita Sarfatti (8 April 1880 – 30 October 1961) an Italian journalist and art critic.
He held his first solo exhibition in 1928 at the Stanze del Libro in Piazza Rondanini in Rome and met with great critical acclaim. His career continued with solo exhibitions in Rome, including shows at the Galleria delle Terme in 1942, La Palma in 1951, La Tartaruga in 1956, and La Nuova Pesa in 1964.
Riccardo Francalancia Availability and Inquiries
There are currently no works by Riccardo Francalancia available at Egidi MadeinItaly.
If you are looking for a painting by the artist, contact us to discuss your interests. If you own a work you would like to offer for sale, you can send us photographs and any information about its history and documentation.
→ Contact us about a work by Riccardo Francalancia.
→ Artist biography Banca d’Italia Art Collection (in Italian)
You have a work by Riccardo Francalancia and you want to sell it?
Call us at +39 3356585431 or send us a message on WhatsApp at +39 3356585431
YOU CAN TRUST US
The highest valuations, expertise, and reliability
Appraisals, purchases and sale of the works by this artist