Documentary on Pellizza da Volpedo Premieres at Rome Film Fest

A new documentary titled 'Pellizza pittore da Volpedo', directed by Francesco Fei, premiered at the Festa del Cinema di Roma. The film explores the life and work of Italian painter Pellizza da Volpedo, best known for his iconic painting 'Il Quarto Stato' (The Fourth Estate). Narrated by Fabrizio Bentivoglio using the artist's own words, the documentary goes beyond the famous masterpiece to reveal lesser-known aspects of his career. It features footage from his studio in Piedmont and locations depicted in his paintings, some shown publicly for the first time. The film traces Pellizza's artistic journey from his hometown through major Italian academies in Brera, Rome, Florence, Carrara, and Bergamo. His mentor was Giovanni Segantini, who introduced him to Divisionism, a movement to which Pellizza contributed significantly. Born into a wealthy family, he married Teresa Bidone, a peasant from Volpedo, and remained devoted to her until her death in 1907, shortly after the loss of their infant son. These tragedies plunged him into depression, leading to his suicide at age 39. The documentary will be released in Italian cinemas on February 4 and 5 as the first event of the new season of 'La Grande Arte al Cinema' by Nexo Studios.