Nicola Galante

Nicola Galante was born in Vasto in 1883 and passed away in Turin in December 1969. In 1931, critic Edoardo Persico wrote in L'Ambrosiano about Galante's roots, emphasizing that his early inspirations stemmed from the beauty of his Abruzzo homeland. He cautioned against interpreting these influences as mere provincial nostalgia. While Galante’s early works, featured in Lacerba, reflected a local silversmith's perspective, his style evolved through interactions with urban intellectuals and Northern ideas.

By the time of his last exhibition in the Piedmont region, his paintings displayed a modulation reminiscent of Cézanne. Persico noted that, amid the cosmopolitanism and improvisational tendencies of many Italian artists, Galante's commitment to the teachings of Soffici and his diligent pursuit of naturalism showcased a noble simplicity, deeply rooted in his affection for his land and its dialect. Although many lesser-known Italian artists may have painted better or held broader ideals, Galante uniquely dedicated his life to a rigorously poetic vision.

The painting Uliveto, part of the Iannaccone collection, was displayed in Milan from November 16 to 26, 1929, during an exhibition organized by Pier Maria Bardi in collaboration with Persico, which aimed to introduce a “young and spirited patrol” of six painters from Turin to the Milanese audience. Despite being slightly older than his peers, Galante stood out for his graphic qualities. Carrà highlighted these distinctions, recognizing a “good alloy realism” in Galante's landscapes and still lifes, with emotional delicacy as its most precious trait. Viviani echoed this sentiment, noting that Galante's tender portrayal of serene effects in landscapes, particularly his passion for drawing trees and villages, was marked by a quiet lyricism. This subtle lyricism, shaped by his study of Impressionists and Cézanne, is evident in the delicate Uliveto, where the tree branches seem to dematerialize in the wind.