Mario Schifano

The Profile

Mario Schifano (1934–1998) was an Italian painter and filmmaker linked to the Scuola di Piazza del Popolo and a key figure in Italian Pop art. He developed early-1960s monochromes, iconic brand-based works like Coca-Cola, expansive series through the 1980s, and directed experimental films including Umano non umano (1969).

Italian painter and filmmaker; central to Italian Pop art and the Scuola di Piazza del Popolo; prolific across series such as Paesaggi anemici, palms, and Acerbo; directed the experimental film Umano non umano (1969). Reviews note strong market interest, including a 2022 Sotheby’s London sale of Tempo Moderno surpassing one million euros.

Reviews highlight Schifano’s Pop-inflected imagery, early-’60s monochromes, and iconic brand subjects. His experimental film Umano non umano gets a lyrical deep-dive. Market notes cite soaring valuations for 1960s works, including Tempo Moderno. 1980s cycles like Acerbo show material energy, drips, and serial variation.