Alberto Giacometti (1901-1966) Swiss
Works
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Biography
Alice et John Rewald, 09.1959
Albert Giacometti is considered one of the most important sculptors of the 20th century even though his drawings, paintings and prints were also met with a great deal of success. Alberto Giacometti was part of a Swiss family of artists that included his father, Fauvist painter Giovanni, and two brothers, the architect Bruno and the sculptor Diego. For most of his artist career, Alberto was regarded as the most prominent and talented artist in the family.
Alberto began his artistic studies at Geneva’s School of Fine Arts. In 1922, he moved to Paris to study under sculptor Antoine Bourdelle, an associate of Rodin. Under Bourdelle’s tutelage, Alberto discovered Greek statues and African art. He, along with his associates, Max Ernst, Pablo Picasso, and Balthus, began to experiment with Surrealism and Cubism.
In 1930, he created the Suspended Ball. The Alberto Giacometti sculpture was considered by Salvador Dali to be the prototype of the Surrealist “object with a symbolic function.” The piece was the first to take sculpture out of the static world by introducing real movement.
About five years after creating Suspended Ball, Giacometti abandoned the Surrealistic style to pursue a deepened analysis of figurative compositions. He contributed to various catalogues and periodicals, as well as recording his thoughts and memories in notebooks.
During this period, the always self-critical Giacometti created sculptures with a maximum height of 7 centimetres, which reflected the actual distance between the artist’s position and his model. At the end of World War II, which Alberto spent in Switzerland, he abandoned his small sculpture. He began to create his iconic tall and very thin sculptures such as the famous ‘Man Who Walks'.
Alberto Giacometti’s paintings represent only a small part of this entire body of work. However, they are highly regarded in the art world and by art historians. After 1957, Giacometti’s figure drawings and his almost monochromatic paintings were as present as his sculptures.
Alberto Giacometti’s drawings and sculptures are highly valued by collectors and art enthusiasts. The Bailly Gallery is pleased to offer a number of Giacometti’s works for sale. Art enthusiasts and students are welcomed to view the items on exhibit in our gallery. Interested collectors are encouraged to call the gallery to discuss adding a Giacometti piece to their collection. Private appointments to view and to discuss the work are available.
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