Italian artist Nino Crociani dies at 88

Nino Crociani, an Italian artist known for his engravings and paintings, died in Milan in 2018 at age 88. Born in Civitella di Romagna in 1930, Crociani studied law but never practiced, dedicating himself to art from the 1960s. His work was influenced by Rembrandt, Goya, Munch, the Fauves, German Expressionists, and Max Beckmann, discovered during a formative trip to Norway. He worked primarily in engraving and painting, except in the 1970s when he engaged in political art, creating installations and posters. Notable works include 'I Pugili' and 'Volti', using rusty plates to evoke traces and secular shrouds. Crociani was described as reserved, gentle, and capable of captivating audiences, especially young students from Brera and the Istituto Europeo del Design during workshops. The artist's research was marked by a poetic simplicity and purity of form.