Rediscovering Ennio Belsito, an early Italian painter of the Orient
Ennio Belsito (1931–1948) was an Italian artist who captured scenes from life in China and Macao while traveling with his father, Giuseppe Belsito, a captain in the merchant marine. His work, characterized by nearly photographic realism, was showcased at the 1911 Esposizione Internazionale di Belle Arti di Roma, the 1912 Mostra dell'arte giovanile di Napoli, and the 1914 Seconda Secessione romana. In 1931, he presented eight pieces at the Prima mostra di arte coloniale, leading to the state acquisition of La visita. Critic Matteo Piccioni highlights Belsito's colonial viewpoint, reflecting 19th-century Orientalism. His sister, Orazia Belsito, ran a cultural salon in Rome frequented by prominent individuals. Ludovico Pratesi's article reassesses Belsito as a trailblazer in Italian art centered on the East.
Key facts
- Ennio Belsito's activity is documented from 1931 to 1948.
- He was son of Giuseppe Belsito, a merchant marine captain promoting trade with the Far East.
- His sister Orazia Belsito was a poet and writer, author of 'Le giornate del fascismo' (1929).
- Orazia married sculptor Giovanni Prini and moved to Rome in 1900, hosting a cultural salon at Palazzo Lanzavecchia.
- Belsito accompanied his father to China and Macao, documenting the transition from the Celestial Empire to the Republic.
- He exhibited at the 1911 Esposizione Internazionale di Belle Arti di Roma, 1912 Mostra dell'arte giovanile di Napoli, and 1914 Seconda Secessione romana.
- In 1931, he participated in the Prima mostra di arte coloniale; the state acquired 'La visita' (now at Ministero per lo Sviluppo Economico).
- Critic Matteo Piccioni describes Belsito's work as reflecting a colonial and imperialist gaze, aligned with 19th-century Orientalism.
Entities
Artists
- Ennio Belsito
- Giuseppe Belsito
- Orazia Belsito
- Giovanni Prini
- Duilio Cambellotti
- Mario Sironi
- Sibilla Aleramo
- Giacomo Balla
- Grazia Deledda
- Sergio Corazzini
- Umberto Boccioni
- Gino Severini
- Galileo Chini
- Mario Cavaglieri
- Giacomo Puccini
- Matteo Piccioni
- Ludovico Pratesi
Institutions
- Galleria Carlo Virgilio & C.
- Ministero per lo Sviluppo Economico
- Artribune
- Esposizione Internazionale di Belle Arti di Roma
- Mostra dell'arte giovanile di Napoli
- Seconda Secessione romana
- Prima mostra di arte coloniale
Locations
- Genoa
- Italy
- Rome
- Palazzo Lanzavecchia
- via Nomentana 44
- China
- Macao
- Bangkok
- Naples