Mario Schifano (1934-1998) - Il Gorilla

Mario Schifano - Il Gorilla - Mixed media on photograph (enamels on photo) - 1990-97

DETAILS OF THE WORK

Artist: Mario Schifano (Italy)

Title of the work: "Il Gorilla"

Era: 1990-97

Technique and materials: Mixed media on photograph (enamels on photo).

Signature: Signed on the back.

Stamps and labels: On the back there are, in addition to the biro signature, the artist's authenticity statement and the catalog reference. Also, there is a label bearing the word "pubblicato" referring to its publication in the V Volume of Studio Metodologico MS.

Dimensions: 15 x 10 cm (work), 34.5 x 39.5 cm (frame included).

Conditions: Excellent. No structural defects (the photographs are an integral part of the description). Minimal defects attributable to the artistic/craft nature of the work.

Frame: Original, white. These are the frames originally chosen by the artist for Telemarket television sales, which had exclusive rights to sell his retouched photos.

DOCUMENTATION

Mario Schifano Foundation Certificate (2007).

EXHIBITIONS

Work exhibited and published (double publication: exhibition catalog, additionally published on page 35 of Volume V of Studio Metodologico MS).

DESCRIPTION OF THE WORK

We offer at auction a precious and sought-after work by Mario Schifano, an undisputed pioneer and leading figure of Italian Pop Art. The work, titled "Il Gorilla", is a refined example of the artist's famous production based on painting intervention on a photographic base, created with enamels applied directly onto the photo.

In this piece, the genius immediacy of the Master emerges, capable of transfiguring the photographic image through the vibrant and energetic use of color, the true stylistic signature of his entire oeuvre. The compact dimensions conceal a strong expressive charge, further enhanced by the original white frame.

The work boasts a top-tier collectible and documentary pedigree, being archived at the Mario Schifano Foundation and supported by a prestigious double publication, a factor that greatly increases its historical and market value.

BIOGRAPHICAL AND CRITICAL NOTES ON THE ARTIST

Mario Schifano (Homs, 1934 – Rome, 1998) was an Italian painter, filmmaker and experimenter, universally recognized as one of the most influential figures in contemporary art and the heart of the Piazza del Popolo School in Rome.

nicknamed the "Puma" for his agility and creative voracity, Schifano introduced an innovative language in Italy, dialoguing at a distance with American Pop Art while always maintaining a deep and irreplaceable painterly and European matrix. His endless curiosity for new media led him to constantly experiment, integrating photography, television, cinema and painting in an uninterrupted creative flow. His works are now in the most important contemporary art museums worldwide and his prices on the international market confirm his status as a historic Master of primary great stature.

SHIPPING AND PACKING

Packaging: We guarantee professional, rigid, customized reinforced packaging designed to preserve the full integrity of the paper during transit, protected from shocks, creases, and humidity.

Courier: Tracked, fast, and safe shipping via express courier.

Shipping notes: Shipping costs, which may seem slightly higher than average, reflect the special care we take in crafting the packaging and choosing reliable couriers. The timeframes shown on the platform are approximate. We generally ship within the stated terms, sometimes even earlier. However, during periods of high traffic or if issues arise (for example, strikes), shipments may be delayed by a few days. In that case, we routinely inform the buyer about the order status and keep the package ready to be shipped on the first available business day. If the sale happens on a Friday, we postpone shipping to Monday to avoid risky stockpiling in warehouses over the weekend.

Customs and Export (Extra-EU): For buyers outside the European Union, shipment may require the technical time necessary to obtain the Export License from the MiC (Ministry of Culture).

Invoices: Professional seller. The work will be accompanied by a tax receipt (or electronic invoice, available upon request by sending your details at the time of lot adjudication).

Framing and glass: The frame, if present, is included in the sale but considered a complimentary item, so no claims will be accepted about its condition. The conditions are always described exhaustively in the listing. If there is glass, it will be included in the sale only if the lot is collected in person from our gallery. If shipping, the glass is always removed and is never considered included in the sale.