Georg Baselitz's Final Gold-Ground Paintings Unveiled in Venice Days After His Death
An exhibition showcasing the final works of German artist Georg Baselitz, who passed away peacefully at 88 last Thursday, opens in Venice six days after his death. Titled Golden Heroes, the display at Fondazione Giorgio Cini on San Giorgio island features large canvases adorned with gold leaf, upon which Baselitz created delicate ink drawings of himself or his wife in nude, reclining poses viewed from above. This marks Baselitz's first use of a gold ground, a method reminiscent of early Renaissance artists Duccio di Buonensegna and Simone Martini. In a video for the exhibition, he referred to these as 'my last paintings,' aiming for a 'definitive' summary. Curator Luca Massimo Barbero noted it represents '60 years of thinking and painting,' highlighting Baselitz's impact on art history. The exhibition continues until 27 September.
Key facts
- Georg Baselitz died last Thursday at age 88.
- Exhibition 'Golden Heroes' opens six days after his death in Venice.
- Venue is Fondazione Giorgio Cini on San Giorgio island.
- Canvases are entirely covered in gold leaf.
- Paintings depict Baselitz or his wife nude and reclining from above.
- First time Baselitz used gold ground technique.
- Technique references Duccio di Buonensegna and Simone Martini.
- Baselitz described works as 'my last paintings' and 'definitive'.
- Curator Luca Massimo Barbero called it culmination of 60 years of work.
- Baselitz cited Willem de Kooning as influence.
- Exhibition runs until 27 September.
Entities
Artists
- Georg Baselitz
- Duccio di Buonensegna
- Simone Martini
- Willem de Kooning
Institutions
- Fondazione Giorgio Cini
Locations
- Venice
- Italy
- San Giorgio
- West Berlin
- Germany