Cavallo e figure (Horse and Figures)
Original limited edition print on heavy art paper • Gino Bardellini (Italian, 1920-1994)
Style & Movement
Modern Italian figurative expressionism; influenced by the equestrian themes of Marino Marini
Medium & Technique
Color lithograph or etching with aquatint; features expressive energetic cross-hatching, linear fluidity, and tonal washes in teal and ochre
Creation Period
Circa 1970-1980
Dimensions & Format
Approximately 70 x 50 cm (image); landscape orientation, housed in a rectangular frame with a wide mat
Subject Description
A dynamic depiction of two figures riding a galloping horse across a minimalist landscape. The composition is defined by a sun-like orb on the left and rapid, sketchy line work that conveys speed and motion. The figures and horse are rendered with semi-abstract, segmented forms typical of the artist's style.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Fair to Good; visible signs of age and environmental exposure
Estimated Market Value
$300 - $600 USD
Auction Estimate
$200 - $450 USD
Provenance History
Numbered '25/125' in lower left and signed 'Gino Bardellini' in lower right. Likely acquired from a gallery specializing in Mid-Century European prints or through a private collection.
Art Historical Significance
Gino Bardellini was a noted Italian artist known for his graphic works and paintings that blended tradition with modern gestural abstraction. This piece is representative of his fascination with the 'dynamism' of the horse, a central motif in 20th-century Italian art.
Notable Features
Hand-signed by the artist in pencil; low edition number indicating it is an early pull from a limited set of only 125. The signature 'Gino Bardellini' is clearly legible in the lower right margin.
Condition Issues
Visible yellowing of the paper (toning) particularly at the edges, light foxing (small brown spots), and some waviness known as cockling. The matting appears to be non-acid-free, which may lead to further discoloration.
Conservation Recommendations
Recommend removal from current frame to replace with acid-free museum-grade matting and UV-protective glass. Professional deacidification could help stabilize the paper and reduce yellowing.