Giuseppe Serafini (1915-1987) - Figura

Giuseppe, also known as Beppe Serafini, was born in the hamlet of Torre in the municipality of Montelupo Fiorentino on October 20, 1915.

Father Gino was a fisherman in Arno, and his mother Amelia was a fiascaia, that is, a basket weaver of fiaschi.

Beppe Serafini practiced the profession of ceramist and, out of passion, that of painter; he has been painting since he was young, perhaps driven by despair over his body, which, after a fall from his bicycle while going to school, grew excessively. From then on, everyone called him Beppegrasso.

His poor family conditions prevent him from buying colors, so he invents his own painting technique.

It was discovered in 1967 by Antonio Possenti and included in the naifs movement.

The most important event of his artistic career is undoubtedly the prestigious exhibition at Palazzo Strozzi in Florence in 1976.

Milan, Viareggio, Bologna, Frankfurt, Siena, Nice are just some of the cities that have hosted exhibitions of his works.

In Serafini's paintings, both lived poverty and the crafts traditionally practiced in his world are depicted.
Doves and pigeons, animals in general, men and women, rough hands and wide-open eyes, are permeated by an atmosphere that expresses the entire gentleness of the author. This one auctioned is one of the first paintings made by Beppe; this is indicated by the inscription he himself made on the back of the painting, which states his name along with the street and place where he practiced, namely Montelupo Fiorentino, indicating his studio on Via Tussmori, 6. It is a unique piece, painted on cardboard with an engraving.