Rediscovering Leoncillo Leonardi: Ceramics, Politics, and Postwar Italian Art in America
Leoncillo Leonardi, born in Spoleto in 1915 and passing away in Rome in 1968, was a multifaceted artist known for his work as a sculptor, draftsman, poet, and ceramist, who gained newfound attention from collectors. A communist and anti-fascist, he transitioned from the Roman School to Informal art after departing from the Communist Party in 1956. Influenced by notable figures such as Renato Marino Mazzacurati and Gio Ponti, he showcased his talent in two significant American exhibitions: "Handicrafts as a Fine Art in Italy" in 1947 and "Italy at Work: Her Renaissance in Design Today" from 1950 to 1953. For the 1947 exhibition, he produced a fireplace titled "Camino dei Gatti" and a "Busto-base per tavolo," while the later event featured his work alongside artists like Lucio Fontana and Afro, highlighting Italian craftsmanship in the United States.
Key facts
- Leoncillo Leonardi (1915–1968) was a sculptor, ceramist, and poet.
- He was an anti-fascist, communist, and partisan.
- His early work was linked to the Roman School; after 1956 he adopted an Informal language.
- He collaborated with Gio Ponti, Renato Guttuso, Roberto Longhi, and others.
- He participated in 'Handicrafts as a Fine Art in Italy' (1947) in New York.
- He also took part in 'Italy at Work: Her Renaissance in Design Today' (1950–53), a traveling exhibition.
- His works for the 1947 show included a fireplace ('Camino dei Gatti') and a table base.
- For the 1950–53 show he sent a 'Dattilografa' ceramic, now in a private collection.
- The exhibitions were organized with Max Ascoli, Carlo Ludovico Ragghianti, and Ramy Alexander.
- The shows aimed to boost Italian exports and define a new modernity.
Entities
Artists
- Leoncillo Leonardi
- Renato Marino Mazzacurati
- Renato Guttuso
- Gio Ponti
- Lucio Fontana
- Afro
- Galassi
- Consagra
- Gustavo Pulitzer Finali
- Ramy Alexander
- Max Ascoli
- Carlo Ludovico Ragghianti
- Roberto Longhi
- Alvaro Marchini
- Simona Marchini
Institutions
- House of Italian Handicraft (HIH)
- Brooklyn Museum
- Art Institute of Chicago
- Fondazione Ragghianti
- Commissione Assistenza Distribuzione Materiali Artigianato (CADMA)
- Compagnia Nazionale Artigiana
- Domus
- New York Times
- Artribune
Locations
- Spoleto
- Italy
- Rome
- New York
- United States
- Manhattan
- 49th Street
- New Orleans
- Chicago
- Lucca