Composition II - Floating Bodies, Dated 1952, Gianpaolo Lazzaro (padua, 1911 – Milan, 1977)

Composition II - Floating Bodies, Dated 1952, Gianpaolo Lazzaro (Padua, 1911 – Milan, 1977)

The label on the back of the painting reads the title of the work: "Composition II - Floating Bodies".

Material: Oil on cardboard
Frame: Painted and gilded wooden frame
Dimensions: Without frame H 50 cm x W 40 cm; with frame H 70 cm x W 59 cm
Period: 1950s
Provenance: Exhibition label and address of the artist's studio on the back
This work, signed by Gianpaolo Lazzaro, represents a key moment in his artistic journey, during his most mature and inspired period. "Composition II - Floating Bodies" perfectly embodies his interest in movement and suspension in space, with forms that defy gravity and appear to float in an undefined universe. The figures are sketched with a synthesis that reflects the essence of his cosmic period, during which Lazzaro explored themes related to evanescence and the unknown.
The painted and gilded wooden frame, of the period, enhances and showcases the work, giving it an aura of refinement and classicism that contrasts with the avant-garde nature of the subject. The back of the painting features an exhibition label, as well as Lazzaro's studio address in Milan, a rare detail confirming the direct origin and historical importance of the piece.
Gianpaolo Lazzaro was born in Padua in 1911, and after studying at the Brera Academy in Milan, he quickly distinguished himself as one of the protagonists of the Italian avant-garde. At just 16 years old, he accompanied Francesco Dal Pozzo to Siam, where he exhibited for the first time. His move to Milan in 1931 marked the beginning of an intense artistic career. In the 1930s, he came into contact with important figures such as Lucio Fontana and Carlo Carrà, with whom he developed mutual respect. These artists shared a passion for exploring new expressive forms and innovative materials.
Lazzaro experienced difficult years during World War II, but these events profoundly influenced his artistic vision. After the conflict, his work evolved towards pieces that expressed a metaphysical and surreal dimension, where bodies and spaces intertwined in a dance of light and shadow. In 1944, he actively participated in the Resistance, an experience that further fueled his creative exploration.
His career took a decisive turn with his 1949 personal retrospective, organized by Carlo Cardazzo, where Lazzaro presented his evolving artistic language. In 1954, Dino Buzzati, recognizing himself in Lazzaro's creative universe, dedicated a short story to him, exploring the intersections between art and life. Lazzaro also engaged in art criticism, writing for Domenica del Corriere, where he discussed modern art and its evolution, referencing artists like Piero Manzoni and Enrico Castellani.
His work in the 1950s and 1960s culminated with the "Cosmocronache", works that layered painted elements over reclaimed materials, creating a dialogue between daily reality and a fantastical dimension. Lazzaro stood out for his unique and personal approach, avoiding affiliation with artistic manifestos and pursuing an independent path that explored the depths of human existence through art. His final exhibition in 1977 reflects his commitment to innovation and the search for expressive purification, continuing to inspire contemporary artists.
This painting dates from the artist’s most prolific period, when he reached an expressive maturity that placed him among the central figures of Italian contemporary art. Works from this period are considered among the most representative and sought after for their ability to synthesize traditional painting with refined aesthetic innovation.