Leonardo Castellani

Shells, 1943
Engraving, 17.2 x 25 cm
Shells is a small still life ...

Leonardo Castellani

Shells, 1943
Engraving, 17.2 x 25 cm
Shells is a small still life with some shells. It was masterfully engraved by the artist Leonardo Castellani in 1943 and does not present any problem of conservation. At the bottom, just outside the matrix, there is the inscription in pencil with the signature of the artist, the title and the date. Right below, the number 6/10. On the upper left of the paper, outside the matrix, there is a rectangular dry stamp.

Leonardo Castellani was an artist and writer from the Marches who since childhood has experimented with various artistic typologies, from wood carving to painting, sculpture, decoration of public spaces, and ceramics. After a while, he dedicated himself to etching with remarkable results, and experimented new chalcographic techniques searching for the newest outcomes. Since 1930, he has taught chalcography at the institute for the illustration and decoration of books.

When he started experimenting with chalcographic engraving, Castellani favored mainly landscapes, human figures, and still lifes. Between 1928 and 1973, Castellani realized 798 engravings in the smallest circulations. He was also a writer and editor.

The beautiful engraving Shells is an artwork that inspires to contemporary still lifes by the great painter Giorgio Morandi. The subject of the shells was often used by Leonardo Castellani in his engravings and this print, in particular, offers a pleasant image with a technique of the highest quality, especially in small dimensions.