Large Still Life Painting by Germano Russo

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A large still life painting by Germano Russo (b.1935) featuring a round table set with colorful yellow and red and … Read more A large still life painting by Germano Russo (b.1935) featuring a round table set with colorful yellow and red and white floral arrangements, a teapot, and blue china positioned on a bright sunlit garden terrace with a seaside view. Beautiful Impressionist style with bright vivid color and thick impasto technique. Oil on masonite. Signed lower left: G Russo 1975. Original frame is in good condition with minor gilt loss. Linen liner with some foxing.
Overall framed dimensions: 47"W x 36.5"H
Painting: 40"W x 29.5"H

Germano Russso and his twin brother Enzo Russo were born and raised in Florence, Italy. They attended the School of Fine Arts at the University of Florence with its traditional formal training. They were admitted two years before the mandatory age of eighteen, after being granted a special dispensation from the Italian Ministry of Education. Enzo was the first European artist to be awarded a grant from the Commonwealth Fund for the Arts. With the grant Enzo made a tour critically assessing the curriculum and quality of art schools in the United States. After his research was completed, Enzo stayed on in the US working as a professional artist. Germano Russo arrived in the United States in 1958 for a show of his work at “The Contemporaries” Gallery and since then has exhibited in New York, Philadelphia, St. Louis, and San Francisco. He lived and worked in both in US and Italy where he kept studios. Both brothers carried on important careers in the art world throughout the U.S.

Germano Russo's painting style is rooted in Impressionism and Post-Impressionism, focusing heavily on figurative subjects and tranquil everyday scenes. His most defining technical trait is his heavy impasto technique, or generous, thick application of oil paint. He utilized a palette knife and heavy brushwork to build layered, physical textures on masonite and canvas. His subjects were often in luminous, open air settings, against vibrant, sun-drenched European backdrops, such as seaside balconies, coastal cities, and lush parks. His work heavily emphasizes natural, warm light catching the edges of his subjects and evoke a peaceful, romanticized view of daily life. See less