Mario Madiai, The Law is Equal for All, 1990s, Oil on Wooden Panel

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Oil on wooden panel realized by Alberto Madiai. Hand signed. A striking and thought-provoking composition by the renowned Florentine artist … Read more Oil on wooden panel realized by Alberto Madiai. Hand signed. A striking and thought-provoking composition by the renowned Florentine artist Alberto Madiai, combining elements of satire, allegory, and social commentary. The painting presents a dramatic confrontation between two iconic figures: a solemn chimpanzee, dressed as a magistrate and holding a key, suspended above a puppet-like Pinocchio figure clad in vivid red. Between them hangs a small sign inscribed “La Legge” (“The Law”), establishing the work’s central thematic axis. Executed in Madiai’s distinctive expressive style, the composition juxtaposes dark, atmospheric passages with luminous accents of gold, blue, and crimson. The imposing simian figure, rendered with remarkable psychological intensity, dominates the upper register, while the fragile and vulnerable Pinocchio below embodies themes of truth, deception, innocence, and moral accountability. The suspended key functions as a potent symbolic device, suggesting authority, judgment, and access to hidden truths. The painting’s theatrical arrangement and surreal imagery reflect Madiai’s longstanding interest in the complexities of human behaviour and contemporary society. Through the use of archetypal imagery drawn from literature and collective memory, the artist constructs a visual narrative that invites multiple interpretations, addressing questions of justice, power, and the often-ambiguous relationship between law and morality. The textured surface, layered pigments, and subtle passages of inscription reveal a sophisticated handling of the medium, while the elongated vertical format enhances the symbolic hierarchy between the figures and intensifies the psychological tension of the scene. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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