Luciano Pitti (XX) - Clown

Pastel on paper/canvas, 50 x 70 cm, signed at the bottom left.

Half-figure portrait of a thoughtful clown, rendered with the soft, blended technique typical of pastel, here accentuating the melancholic expressiveness of the gaze in contrast with theatrical makeup — red nose, painted mouth, drawn eyebrows. The white flower pinned to the hat adds a delicate touch that softens the solemnity of the face.

The theme of the “sad” or thoughtful clown is a classic subject in Italian figurative portraiture from the late 20th century, which combined theatrical suggestion with an intimate, close painting style.

Provenance: the work is accompanied by a certificate of guarantee and authenticity issued by the Gallery “Il Castello” of Adria in 1994, attached in the photo, confirming the artist’s signature.