Ugo Celada Da Virgilio (borgo Virgilio 1895 – Varese 1995), Compositions, 1960s

Ugo Celada da Virgilio (Borgo Virgilio 1895 – Varese 1995), Compositions, 1960s.

Oil on panel, 88 x 64 cm.
Signed "UGO CELADA DA VIRGILIO" lower left.

The painting depicts one of the still lifes Celada called "Compositions," consisting of two drapes of fabric in vivid red and purple, against which a glass jug, a cut yellow rose, and an ivory-colored vase can be seen in the background.
The artist's pictorial style is distinguished by precise drawing and an extremely realistic rendering of detail; attention to light and color is equally important to the artist.
Celada developed his own highly personal style, drawing inspiration from Magic Realism and also from German New Objectivity.

BIOGRAPHY

Celada was born in Cesere di Virgilio, in the province of Mantua, on May 25, 1895. He began his interest in art as a child, despite his father's opposition. He began his education at the School of Arts and Crafts in Luzzara (Reggio Emilia), completing it with distinction. He received a scholarship from the Franchetti Institute and enrolled at the Brera Academy. He studied under Cesare Tallone. In 1914, he had to interrupt his studies to enlist, but he put his talents to good use compiling topographical maps.

After the war, he left for Paris, but his journey stopped in Genoa, where he remained to work for a few months. In 1920, he participated with a work at the Venice Biennale. He also participated in 1924. From 1920 to 1926, Celada made his name on the international scene: he held exhibitions at the Permanente in Milan, and in 1926, his painting for the Venice Biennale was praised by Emile Bernard, who discovered Van Gogh and Cézanne. The following year, Celada managed to reach Paris, where he painted portraits. Upon returning to Italy, he participated in numerous exhibitions around the country. In the 1930s, Celada, despite being outside the regime's cultural circles, continued to work assiduously. After the Second World War, he focused mainly on portraits and still lifes.