Gaetano Previati (1852-1920) was an Italian painter associated with the Symbolist and Divisionist movements. He is known for his contributions to the development of Divisionism, an artistic technique that involved applying small, distinct dots or strokes of color to create a more luminous and harmonious effect. Here’s some information about Gaetano Previati:

Early Life and Education:

• Gaetano Previati was born on August 27, 1852, in Ferrara, Italy.
• He initially studied medicine at the University of Bologna but soon abandoned his medical studies to pursue a career in art.
• He moved to Milan in the early 1870s, where he began his formal artistic training at the Brera Academy. There, he studied under the guidance of renowned artists such as Tranquillo Cremona and Giuseppe Bertini.

Artistic Style and Influence:

• Previati’s early works were influenced by the naturalism of the time, but he soon became interested in more experimental and avant-garde artistic approaches.
• He was particularly influenced by the works of Georges Seurat and Paul Signac, who were at the forefront of the Divisionist or Pointillist movement. Previati adopted the Divisionist technique, characterized by the use of small, distinct dots of color applied in a systematic manner to create an optical fusion of colors.

Divisionism and Symbolism:

• Previati’s involvement with Divisionism marked a significant phase in his career. His paintings, often characterized by vibrant colors and intricate patterns of dots, aimed to capture the effects of light and atmosphere.
• He was also associated with the Symbolist movement, which sought to convey emotions and ideas through symbolism and allegory. Many of his works had a mystical and spiritual quality.

Themes and Subjects:

• Previati’s paintings covered a range of subjects, including landscapes, portraits, and historical scenes.
• One of his most famous works is “The Ecstasy of St. Francis,” which is considered a masterpiece of Divisionism. In this painting, he used the Divisionist technique to create a luminous and ethereal atmosphere.

Legacy:

• Gaetano Previati is recognized as one of the leading figures of Divisionism in Italy. His contributions to this movement helped pave the way for Italian artists to explore new techniques and styles.
• His works are admired for their use of color and light, as well as their spiritual and emotional depth.

Gaetano Previati passed away on June 21, 1920, in Lavagna, Italy. His legacy as a pioneer of Divisionism and his exploration of Symbolist themes continue to be appreciated in the context of Italian and European art history.