ROME.- The Galleria d’Arte Moderna in Rome is set to open a significant exhibition, "Homage to Carlo Levi. The Friendship with Piero Martina and the Paths of Collecting," on April 11th, 2025. Running until September 14th, 2025, the exhibition marks the 50th anniversary of the passing of renowned Italian painter, writer, and intellectual Carlo Levi (1902-1975) by exploring his deep and enduring friendship with fellow Turin artist Piero Martina (1908-1985).


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Conceived through a collaborative effort between the Fondazione Carlo Levi of Rome and the Archivio Piero Martina of Turin, the exhibition offers a unique insight into the artistic and personal bond shared by the two men over three decades. Their relationship, forged in the vibrant intellectual and political climate of Turin, extended through their shared experiences of artistic exploration, anti-fascist dissent, and their eventual move to Rome during the post-war reconstruction era.

Visitors will have the opportunity to view over sixty significant works from both artists, sourced from the Fondazione Carlo Levi, the Archivio Piero Martina, and other prominent cultural institutions, as well as public and private collections. Despite their individual artistic trajectories, which often diverged stylistically, the exhibition underscores a shared humanistic perspective and a mutual desire to examine the realities of Italy without resorting to romanticism.

A central theme of the exhibition is Levi's profound connection to Rome, the city he called home from 1945 until his death. Rome served as a constant source of inspiration for his artistic and intellectual pursuits, becoming a symbol of a nation undergoing significant transformation. Levi also played a role in bringing his friend Martina to Rome for a period, further cementing their artistic dialogue within the city's dynamic cultural landscape.

Adding a personal touch to the exhibition is a special section dedicated to nineteen previously unseen paintings by Carlo Levi. These works come from the private collection of Angelina De Lipsis Spallone, a prominent Roman collector and friend of Linuccia Saba, Levi's companion and the daughter of writer Umberto Saba. Spallone's acquisition of these paintings after Levi's death, fueled by her friendship with Saba, offers a rare glimpse into lesser-known facets of the artist's extensive oeuvre.

The exhibition is thoughtfully structured into five distinct sections, guiding visitors through the evolution of Levi and Martina's artistic journeys and their evolving relationship. The first section, "Formation, the Turin intellectual environment," compares their early works, highlighting the influence of the "Sei di Torino" group. The second section, "From Turin to Rome: suggestions, openings, and new research," traces their transition and the impact of historical events like the war and Levi's confinement on their artistic styles.

The third section, "The season of civil engagement," focuses on their time in Rome and their shared awareness of social issues, particularly the plight of peasants and the working class, reflected in their more experimental works from this period. The fourth section, "The nude and the landscape, engaging themes," explores their later artistic seasons, marked by a renewed interest in nature and the human form, albeit with contrasting stylistic approaches. Finally, the exhibition concludes with "The works of Carlo Levi in the Collection of Angelina De Lipsis Spallone," showcasing the collector's significant acquisitions and providing a comprehensive overview of Levi's artistic development.

Curated by Daniela Fonti and Antonella Lavorgna from the Fondazione Carlo Levi, Antonella Martina from the Archivio Piero Martina, and Giovanna Caterina De Feo for the Angelina De Lipsis Spallone Collection, the exhibition promises a rich and nuanced exploration of two important figures in 20th-century Italian art and their enduring friendship. The initiative is promoted by Roma Capitale, Assessorato alla Cultura, Sovrintendenza Capitolina ai Beni Culturali, in collaboration with 1 the respective foundations and the collector. This exhibition is part of the Capitoline Superintendence's ongoing program celebrating the centenary of the Galleria d’Arte Moderna.


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