Franco Angeli (Rome, 1935-1988), a self-taught painter of socialist origins, was a leading figure in Italian Pop Art and the School of Piazza del Popolo. Through stencils and enamels, he investigated symbols of power, consumption and contemporary history, influenced by American culture.
\nIn Franco Angeli’s art, the eagle – taken from the verso of the U.S. currency – symbolizes American imperial power, capitalism and cultural hegemony. Often veiled or duplicated as here (in red and blue, patriotic colors), it represents a critical fragmentation: no longer an icon of freedom, but an emblem of political divisions and alienating consumerism, in line with the pop reflection on 1960s America.<\/p>\n
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“Half Dollar” (1965) is an emblematic work of Franco Angeli’s pop style, made with stencil technique on canvas.
\nIt reproduces the reverse of the U.S. half-dollar coin, with two overlapping eagles – one in vivid red and the other in deep blue – surrounded by stars, rays and fragmented lettering such as “UNITED STATES OF AMERICA” and “HALF DOLLAR.”
\nThe symmetrical design and color contrast evoke the U.S. flag in an aura of ironic criticism of consumerism and power. On the back of the canvas, a handwritten dedication, “Homage to Mirella AMGCV,” adds a personal and intimate touch to the work.<\/p>\n
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