ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Arturo Martini Retrospective at Museo Luigi Bailo in Treviso

exhibition · 2026-04-27

In Treviso, the Museo Luigi Bailo presents a comprehensive retrospective of Arturo Martini (1889–1947), featuring a total of 280 artworks—150 from the museum's collection and 130 borrowed. A highlight of the exhibition is the marble sculpture 'Il legionario ferito' (1938), which has not been displayed for 80 years. The showcase is organized into five sections, emphasizing significant pieces such as 'Donna che nuota sott'acqua' (1942) and juxtaposing large-scale works with smaller creations. Additionally, 40 post-impressionist paintings accompany Martini's art, with a focus on the Prodigal Son theme, notably the 1927 bronze 'Figliol prodigo.' Curator Nico Stringa remarks on the father's gaze turned away from the son. Martini's journey oscillated between hardship and acclaim, with his classic style later embraced by the 'Ritorno all'ordine' movement.

Key facts

  • Retrospective on Arturo Martini at Museo Luigi Bailo, Treviso
  • 280 works total: 150 from Bailo, 130 on loan
  • Never-exhibited marble 'Il legionario ferito' (1938) shown for first time
  • Five exhibition sections: capolavori, small-format, contrast works, painting, maturity
  • Bronze 'Figliol prodigo' (1927) highlighted; father looks away from son
  • Martini treated Prodigal Son theme six times (1914–late 1930s)
  • In 1944 Martini told Gino Scarpa the work was 'totally disprezzato'
  • Venere dei porti (1932): 115 cm refractory terracotta of a waiting nude

Entities

Artists

  • Arturo Martini
  • Gino Scarpa
  • Nico Stringa

Institutions

  • Museo Luigi Bailo
  • Quadriennale di Roma

Locations

  • Treviso
  • Italy
  • Vado Ligure
  • Roma

Sources