Giuseppe Pellizza da Volpedo

He studied under the master Giovanni Fattori in Florence, but later returned to Volpedo to dedicate himself to realist painting through the study of nature.¹

Born in 1868 in Volpedo to a wealthy peasant family, he added 'da Volpedo' to his signature from 1892 onwards, reflecting his deep attachment to his birthplace.¹

In the late 1890s, he shifted from impasto to Divisionism, a technique using small dots and lines based on color theory, influenced by artists like Giovanni Segantini.¹

His masterpiece 'The Fourth Estate' took ten years to complete. Depicting a procession of workers, it became a symbol for socialist and progressive causes across Europe.¹

When 'The Fourth Estate' was exhibited in 1902, it received criticism and caused confusion even among friends, leading a disappointed Pellizza to cut ties with many colleagues.¹

Following the death of his friend Giovanni Segantini in 1904, Pellizza traveled to Engadin to reflect on the motivations and inspirations of the artist he deeply admired.¹

In 1906, he successfully sold his painting 'Il Sole' to the Italian state, marking a turning point where artistic and literary circles finally began to recognize his work.¹

The sudden death of his wife Teresa in 1907 plunged him into a deep depression, leading him to commit suicide in his studio at the age of 38.¹