(Ferrara 1896–1956 Milan)
Gli stampi fioriti, signed, dated and dedicated, 1920, gouache on paper, 37 x 24 cm, framed

Provenance:
Signorelli’s Collection, Rome
Galleria Arco Farnes, Rome
European Private Collection

Exhibited:
Verona, 1969, no. D1 Rome, Galleria Arco Farnese, 1999, no. 36

Literature:
M. Bontempelli, C. Brandi, Ricordo di de Pisis, Rome 1956, p. 37 Signorelli, 1967, p. 16
G. Briganti, De Pisis Catalogo Generale, Vol. I, Opere 1908–1938, p. 28 with ill.

De Pisis and Olga Resnevic Signorelli met in 1919 and became friends almost immediately. Olga had written a biography of Eleonora Duse, translated Russian texts into Italian, and was married to the physician and art Collector, Angelo Signorelli.

At the start of 1920, Filippo de Pisis stayed in Rome in a flat on Via Monserrato overlooking the small Piazza de Ricci. Reminiscing, he wrote: “I enjoyed the beauty of Rome with all my heart, its monuments, the countryside, the taverns. From my window I could see some frescoes depicting Roman battles and victories comparable to works by Girolamo da Carpi… at the time I used to paint with the few means I had, while teaching Latin and giving lectures...” (from G. Briganti De Pisis Catalogo Generale, Tomo I, p. 838).

Rome is the place where de Pisis’ artistic career really began. His use of colour and light, the thickness of his brush strokes and the brilliance of his compositions demonstrate a stylistic change from 1920 onwards.

In March of 1920 an exhibition of his works on paper was held at the renowned Bragaglia Gallery in Rome, and it was shortly after this exhibition that de Pisis donated Tulipani e farfalle and Gli Stampi fioriti to Olga Signorelli. These two works were the start of the Signorellis’ vast Collection.

Both works are dedicated to Olga. It was the depth of their friendship that led de Pisis decide that it was time for him to move to Rome.