I Romantici 

Carlo Carra painted 'I Romantici' using oils on canvas; a traditional, if not straightforward process. The figures are roughly painted, with visible brushstrokes adding texture, their presence grounded by the materiality of paint. It's tempting to see the painting's apparent naivety as a stylistic choice, but I think there’s more to it than that. The application of paint and the rendering of form gives us insight into Carra's relationship with the avant-garde movements of his time. The flattened perspective and simplified shapes recall folk art traditions, reflecting a broader interest in primitivism, which was popular among artists searching for alternatives to academic styles. Carra uses his brushwork to create a sense of depth, especially with the background, contrasting with the flatness of the figures. The lack of finish might be a commentary on labor, suggesting a world where not all is carefully crafted. The painting challenges our expectations of fine art, suggesting a different way of making, and a different set of values. It invites us to look beyond the surface and to consider the social context in which it was created.