Leonardo Castellani - Pagine senza cornice - 1946

Leonardo Castellani, Pages Without a Frame. 1946. With 129 pages and an article from the period attached.
Leonardo Castellani, pages without a frame. Urbino, Istituto d’Arte del Libro, 1946. Small octavo (19 x 13.5 cm), beautiful decorated cardboard binding by Giuseppe Scatassa, 129 pages (4). 26 original etchings by the author. Printed on special 'Urbinas' paper from the Miliani paper mills in Fabriano, in 160 numbered copies (our no. 146). Very rare original edition. "A small book of reflections and descriptions in which, in contrast to careful and attentive prose, 26 etchings of rare delicacy are impressed, with chiaroscuro at the limit of virtuosity. The engraver finds in the image an enchanting space with a steady and clear style. There is a subtle pride in the skill with which the still life compositions are fixed within the small rectangle."
Leonardo Castellani (Faenza 1896 – Urbino 1984). After various experiences related to sculpture, painting, and ceramic decoration, Leonardo Castellani embarked on an engraving career. In 1930, he was called by the Istituto del Libro in Urbino to hold the chair of Calcography, where he remained until 1968. Thanks to his multifaceted activity—not only as an artist and teacher but also as an original and unique promoter—he earned the respect of the Italian cultural world, helping to make Urbino one of the most original centers of contemporary culture. Among the numerous exhibitions held by Castellani, the one at the National Calcography in Rome in 1951 is certainly worth mentioning.