Gino Pinelli (1882-1949) - Paesaggio con Cascata

Author

Gino Pinelli (1882-1949) was an Italian painter. He was born in Treviso. His artistic training took place at the Academy of Fine Arts in Venice, where he had the opportunity to study under the renowned Guglielmo Ciardi, an experience that undoubtedly influenced his approach to painting. Pinelli distinguished himself above all as a landscape painter, demonstrating a remarkable sensitivity in capturing the evocative power of places, countryside views, and glimpses of cities such as Rome and Venice.

In addition to painting, Pinelli also devoted himself to engraving, especially drypoint, an art in which he distinguished himself for his depictions of genre scenes and still lifes, in addition to the aforementioned landscapes. In 1918, he participated in the Annual Exhibition at the Society for Fine Arts and Permanent Exhibition of Milan, at the Palazzo di Brera.

Alongside his creative work, Gino Pinelli also served as a teacher. His work demonstrates a figurative approach and a profound connection to the Italian landscape, placing him among the leading figures of Italian painting and printmaking between the 19th and 20th centuries.

Description

"Landscape with Waterfall", oil on panel, 126*61cm with frame, 111*46cm the panel alone, datable to the first decade of the 20th century, signed lower right.

In the scene, a waterfall cascades vertically from a steep rock face. A wooded setting surrounds the scene, with tall trees forming the backdrop and a soft, suffused light filtered through the foliage of the surrounding vegetation. The water stands out for its pale hue, almost like a beam of light in a twilight and shadowy setting, creating a stark contrast with the dominant colors, rich in browns, blacks, and dark ochres. The composition is strongly vertical, suggesting the elemental force of nature.

Pinelli's brushstrokes are bold and textured in his rendering of the rocks, where the color is applied thickly to convey their roughness and stony texture. In contrast, the jet of water is rendered with a more stringy and dynamic brushstroke to capture its uninterrupted movement. The play of color is based on the dramatic contrast between the cold, dark tones of the rocky backdrop and the clear, luminous water, which serves as a single, powerful visual focal point.

The style is part of late Venetian Impressionism, an approach Pinelli uses to evoke an emotional impression of the moment, rather than merely describe. The painting fits perfectly into his landscape oeuvre, but stands out for its more romantic and dramatic approach compared to his bright countryside views. His technique and the construction of the landscape through broad areas and energetic brushwork reveal a clear affinity with the painting of his teacher, Guglielmo Ciardi, although Pinelli here favors a more introspective setting and darker tones.

Condition Report

Good overall condition, with no visible paint loss and clearly legible and preserved brushstrokes. The color scheme could benefit from a light cleaning. The frame is included free of charge.

Tracked and insured shipment with adequate packaging.