Giuseppe Pellizza da Volpedo

The Profile

Italian painter (1868–1907) associated with divisionism and known for Il Quarto Stato (The Fourth Estate).

Born in Volpedo, Italy (1868). Died 1907. Best known work: Il Quarto Stato (The Fourth Estate), completed 1901 and held at Museo del Novecento, Milan. Associated with divisionist technique and themes of social realism. Works mentioned in the reviews: Ambassadors of Hunger (1891-1895), Fiumana (1895-1898).

The single review analyzes Il Quarto Stato (The Fourth Estate), reading its social meaning and especially the presence of a female leader modeled on the artist's wife Teresa Bidone. The review links the painting to earlier works (Ambassadors of Hunger, Fiumana) and reflects on the symbolic details (bare feet, child). It notes the painter's personal tragedy following his wife's death.