Metaphysics and Les Italiens de Paris: Italian Art of the early twentieth century
Introduction to Metaphysics and Italian Artists in Paris
Metaphysics emerged as one of the most innovative artistic movements of the early 20th century, with deep roots in Italy.
During World War I, artists such as Giorgio de Chirico, Savinio (Alberto de Chirico), Carlo Carrà, and Filippo de Pisis met in Ferrara, known as the “City of 100 Wonders.”
This period marked the beginning of a new way of interpreting reality through metaphysical art.
The birth of Giorgio de Chirico’s metaphysical painting
Influences from Munich and Turin
Giorgio de Chirico’s training developed between his stay in Munich (1909-1911) and a brief experience in Turin in 1911.
These two experiences were fundamental for the birth of his metaphysical painting, characterized by a visionary perception of reality and a strange relationship between places and objects.
Features of Metaphysical painting
De Chirico’s works are distinguished by the use of classical images such as busts and plaster statues, which coexist with modern objects. Urban landscapes are suspended in a timeless and placeless dimension, dominated by perspective constructions and populated by faceless, nameless mannequins.
Italian Artists in Paris and the Les Italiens de Paris Group
De Chirico, Savinio, and de Pisis spent many years in Paris, along with other Italian early 20th-century artists like Massimo Campigli, Gino Severini, and Mario Tozzi.
Paris became an important hub for artistic and cultural exchange.
Egidi MadeinItaly browse our collection
Mario Tozzi still life for sale in the modern art section of our e-commerce site.
Exhibitions and International Recognition
Between 1928 and 1933, major exhibitions took place in Paris, where the group was presented as Les Italiens de Paris. The term was coined by critic Waldemar George, a supporter of the “return to order” and admirer of Italian art.
The Italian Metaphysical legacy in Paris
Giorgio de Chirico and the metaphysical movement had a lasting impact on modern art, thanks to their presence and exhibitions in Paris. Their influence continues to be reflected in the international art scene today.