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First Retrospective of Salvatore Scarpitta in Rome at Mattia De Luca Gallery

exhibition · 2026-04-26

In Rome, the Mattia De Luca gallery is hosting 'SAL,' marking the first retrospective of Salvatore Scarpitta (New York, 1919 – 2007) in the city. This exhibition, located at Palazzo Albertoni Spinola, explores Scarpitta's artistic journey between New York and Rome. He began his studies in Palermo and Rome in 1940, drawing inspiration from futurists such as Pippo Rizzo. Featured are his bandaged artworks from 1955–59, which were displayed during solo shows at Galleria La Tartaruga and Leo Castelli Gallery. Significant works include 'Gunner's mate' (1961), 'Homage au bœuf écorché' (1961), and 'Tovagliolo' (1959), alongside early pieces like 'Bicicletta' (1948), complemented by a catalog.

Key facts

  • First retrospective of Salvatore Scarpitta in Rome.
  • Exhibition titled 'SAL' at Mattia De Luca gallery.
  • Venue: Palazzo Albertoni Spinola, Rome.
  • Features bandaged works from 1955–59.
  • Includes 'Gunner's mate' (1961), only intact XFrame.
  • Presents 'Sal's Red Hauler Special' (1966/67) dedicated to Jean Christophe Castelli.
  • Includes 'Incidente of castelli' (1987) documenting racing experience.
  • Exhibition ends with early work 'Bicicletta' (1948) and archival materials.

Entities

Artists

  • Salvatore Scarpitta
  • Pippo Rizzo
  • Plinio de Martiis
  • Cy Twombly
  • Franz Kline
  • Lucio Fontana
  • Bonalumi
  • Naride Menghi
  • Piero Manzoni
  • Rembrandt
  • Jean Christophe Castelli
  • Leo Castelli

Institutions

  • Mattia De Luca
  • Galleria La Tartaruga
  • Leo Castelli Gallery
  • Palazzo Albertoni Spinola

Locations

  • Rome
  • New York
  • Palermo
  • Italy
  • United States

Sources