Omaggio a Braccelli (2nd state) 1968

Paolo Boni's "Omaggio a Braccelli" presents an intriguing tableau of abstracted figures, their forms articulated through a series of geometric shapes. Here, we see a connection to Arcangelo Braccelli, whose whimsical figures, composed of everyday objects, challenge our perceptions. Notice the fragmented, almost mechanized bodies, reminiscent of the Commedia dell'Arte characters— figures that have appeared across centuries, morphing from vibrant performers to ghostly echoes. This recalls the concept of the "Pathosformel," where gestures and expressions recur throughout art history, carrying emotional weight. The unsettling stillness of Boni's figures, rendered almost invisible, evoke a deep sense of unease, perhaps reflecting a subconscious anxiety about the human condition in an increasingly mechanized world. These symbols remind us that images are never truly new; they are palimpsests, with layers of meaning accumulated through time. Each iteration, from Braccelli to Boni, reflects a continuous dialogue between the past and present.