Arturo Bonan (1920-2010) - Winter at the Railway Depot

This painting by Arturo Bonanomi (1920–2010) depicts a snow-covered railway yard with a steam locomotive and several freight wagons. Positioned slightly left of centre, the dark locomotive releases an imposing cloud of white and grey steam that rises dramatically into the sky. Reddish-brown and dark railway wagons line both sides of the composition, while a few small human figures can be seen between the tracks.

The composition is structured around the railway lines, which converge towards the background and draw the viewer's eye into the scene. Bonanomi employs vigorous, expressive brushwork, with broad, occasionally impasto strokes. The cool whites and greys of the snow contrast with the warm, rusty browns of the wagons and the almost black locomotive. The swirling steam, rendered in short, energetic brushstrokes, lends the scene a pronounced sense of movement. The dark sky further intensifies the contrast with the illuminated steam and snow-covered foreground.

The work is executed in oil paint and signed Bonanomi in the lower right corner. It is presented in a broad, decorative frame with gold-toned and dark brown mouldings.

Dimensions of the artwork: 25 × 40 cm.
Dimensions including frame: 42 × 58 cm.

Artist Biography
Arturo Bonanomi (1920–2010) was an Italian painter born in Calolziocorte, Lombardy, who died in Lecco. Largely self-taught, he developed a figurative painting style characterised by vigorous brushwork and pronounced contrasts of light and shadow.

His oeuvre primarily encompasses landscapes, mountain villages and historic village scenes, with particular attention to the surroundings of Lecco and Lake Como. He also painted urban and architectural subjects. His work is distinguished by direct, often heavily textured paint application and a lively use of colour.

In 2016, an exhibition of his work was presented at Villa Monastero in Varenna and the Monastero del Lavello in Calolziocorte. This was followed in 2019 by the exhibition Tra Lago e Monti at the Torre Viscontea in Lecco. These exhibitions reflect the continuing regional interest in his artistic legacy.