Eclecticism is a key feature of Dulio Cambellotti’s multifaceted activity (Rome 1876 – 1960). He covered the history of Italian art, from the end of the 19th century to the first half of the 20th century, displaying undiminished curiosity to learn about and experiment with new forms of artistic expression. His early paintings show a clear Divisionist influence, while for his objects, and particularly his jewellery, he reinterpreted Art Nouveau with a modus operandi of dry graphic elegance. With the advent of Futurism, his aversion to technical progress grew in favour of a natural, rural civilisation, which was to be translated into an original and vigorous interpretation of the symbolist language in an expressionist key. In addition to painting and sculpture, he was interested in the applied arts, as a poster artist and illustrator of books, newspapers, and magazines. From 1913 to 1939 (and again in 1947) he was the main set designer for the shows at the Greek theatre in Syracuse, where he created all the sets, costumes, and many posters.
The web-only auction of Modern Works and Multiples, which will be held until 16 March 2022, will display a large pencil drawing on glossy paper dated 1920 depicting “Vulcano”. Here, the Roman artist, through a clear and continuous sign, gives a vivid and unforgettable view of the fatigue of the god of fire (lot 22, estimated price €2,400 – 2,600).
