Farfalla (Butterfly) 1990

Giancarlo Tognoni created this etching, called ‘Farfalla,’ which is Italian for butterfly, using ink on paper. Tognoni was an Italian artist whose work often embraced the natural world. In this print, we see a butterfly rendered through a dense network of lines and textures. The butterfly, a symbol of transformation and beauty, is set against a backdrop that seems both organic and abstract. The swirling lines evoke a sense of movement, as though the butterfly is caught in a gust of wind or emerging from a chrysalis. Italy's post-war art scene saw a move towards more abstract and informal styles, and Tognoni's work fits into this broader context. To fully appreciate Tognoni's work, one might delve into the archives of Italian art institutions, exploring exhibition catalogs and critical reviews from the period. By understanding the artistic and social milieu in which Tognoni worked, we gain a richer understanding of his contribution to Italian art.