RENATO NATALI "MARINA" - PAINTING IN 1959

RENATO NATALI (Livorno, 1883 – 1979) Interesting work by Renato Natali entitled “MARINA” painted in oil on plywood in 1959. The painting immortalizes a splendid view of the port of Livorno. At the center of the scene, a boat slowly approaches the port, the sails are furled, and the reflection on the water creates plays of light and movement. In the background, other boats dot the port's horizon, some further away, barely outlined, others more defined. The sea is represented with intense and lively tones, Natali's brushstroke is quick, and the palette uses strong chromatic contrasts that give energy to the scene, making it vibrant and alive: characteristics of Natali's Macchiaiola training. The whole conveys an atmosphere of calm after the fatigue of work, a moment of pause suspended in time. On the back, it bears a dedication, date and cartouche with stamp and signature of the Athena Gallery of Livorno. Renato Natali (1883–1979) was one of the most representative painters of Livorno, known for his ability to capture the popular and nocturnal soul of the city. Self-taught, he began painting at a young age without formal academic training but frequented Lorenzo Cecchi's workshop. In 1905, he participated for the first time in the Venice Biennale, an event to which he returned in several editions until 1930. In 1912, he won a gold medal at the 1st Art Exhibition at the Bagni Pancaldi in Livorno. In 1912 he moved to Paris, where he made friends with artists such as Amedeo Modigliani and Leonetto Cappiello, but he never painted during his stay, preferring to observe and note his impressions in order to elaborate them in the studio later. In 1920 he was among the founders of the Gruppo Labronico, an association of painters who were inspired by the legacy of Mario Puccini and Giovanni Fattori. Natali was its president from 1977 to 1979. His painting is characterized by bright colors, quick brushstrokes, and a strong chromatic contrast, often using acidic and dissonant tones to represent daily life in Livorno, including scenes of brawls, dances, and glimpses of the city, both day and night. Critics defined him as "peintre de la rue" and the people of Livorno nicknamed him "Natali delle notti" for his ability to immortalize the city's nightlife. His artistic production focused mainly on Livorno, representing alleys, sailors, commoners, and scenes of daily life. Although he was a painter of memory, he did not paint from life, but based his work on notes taken in the field to create his works in the studio. Throughout his career, Natali participated in numerous international exhibitions, including exhibitions in Brighton, Minnesota, Buenos Aires, Cairo, and Athens. In 1978 he was awarded the title of Commendatore al Merito (Commander of Merit) by the Italian Republic. In 1980, Livorno dedicated a retrospective to him, and in 1984 an exhibition was organized in his honor on the centenary of his birth. His works are kept in numerous museums and private collections, including the Giovanni Fattori Civic Museum of Livorno, which houses six of his paintings, including "Il lenzuolo" (c. 1930), "Scorci della Vecchia Livorno" (c. 1935) and "Via della Madonna after the bombing" (c. 1945) cm.35x50 without frame cm.53,5x71 including frame