Perugia by Rudy Pozzatti
This is an aquatint etching by noted American printmaker Rudy Pozzatti. It is from a series of European scenes Pozzatti created in the 1960s. This one is title Perugia which is a town in Italy. It's a modern composition with a compressed, narrow, flattened perspective that gives the image energy and intensity. He uses this approach in these European images. While the buildings can be discerned with their towers and domes, streets and squares are not evident. This may be a reflection of the old city being enclosed by defensive walls implying that the city and it's residents are huddled together for protection. In the foreground is a blue circular feature that could represent the Fontana Maggiore, a large fountain in the central square. It's a fascinating impression of the city. The piece is signed and dated in pencil lower right Rudy Pozzatti, Imp. 1961. The title, Perugia is in pencil lower left and the edition, 17/210 is lower center. The piece is in excellent condition, although it has not been examined out of the frame. The framing materials are not archival, so I think there is some mat burn at the periphery well away from the image. The plate size is 15.75 x 11.75 inches. It is an extremely well-struck and crisp impression with rich colors and no fading. There are no other condition issues, including no tears, paper loss, foxing, or staining. The framed size is 23.25 x 20.25 inches. A great example of these early career works by the artist.
Rudy Pozzatti (1925-2021) was born in Colorado and did his undergraduate and masters degrees in fine art at the University of Colorado. He worked closely with Wendall Black who established the printmaking workshop at the University. While in Boulder he also participated in summer sessions with visiting artists including Max Beckmann and Ben Shahn. He immediately began his career as an academic and teacher, initially at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, but moved to Indiana University in 1956 and spent the rest of his career there. He established the printmaking department at IU which is now recognized as one of the best in the country. He also published books on printmaking. He received numerous awards and fellowships, many of which he used to study abroad including two trips to Italy (his son, who like me is a physician-scientist fondly recalls the time spent in Italy when he was growing up). He was elected a member of the prestigious National Academy of Design. He participated in many solo and group exhibitions. He collaborated as an illustrator on several books, including two scientific books in conjunction with author Phillip Appleman, Darwin's Ark and Darwin's Bestiary. His work is held in many major collections including the Achenbach Foundation for Graphic Arts, Brooklyn Museum, Butler Institute of American Art, Art Institute of Chicago, Cincinnati Art Museum, Dayton Art Institute, Fogg Art Museum at Harvard University, Indianapolis Museum of Art, Library of Congress, Los Angeles County Museum of Art, Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, Milwaukee Art Museum, Museum of Modern Art in New York, National Gallery of Art in D.C., the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the Whitney Museum of American Art.
Price: $375
Framed Size: 23.25 x 20.25 inches
Plate Size: 15.75 x 11.75 inches
Condition: Excellent
Medium: Aquatint Etching
Subject: Architecture & Cityscape
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