16: Renato Guttuso – Flowers, 1954

Dated “Roma 15. VIII. 54” (Rome, 15 August 1954).
Inscribed “A Julius Starzinsky ricordo del nostro amico” (To Julius Starzinsky, in memory of our friend).
Annotated on the reverse “Własność prywatna / J. A…. / 19. IV. 1962” (Polish: “Private property / J.A…. / 19 April 1962”).

Sizes:
Frame: 47 × 36 cm | 18.5 × 14.1 in
Artwork: 46 × 35 cm | 18.1 × 13.8 in

An Intimate Floral Study by a Modern Master

Experience the expressive power of Renato Guttuso in this refined and emotionally resonant 1954 drawing, where floral subjects become an exploration of vitality and human sentiment. Executed with dynamic precision, the delicate flowers in black ink or graphite contrast with their intense energy—characteristic of Guttuso’s postwar vision that merged realism with political and poetic urgency.

Layered with History and Dedication

Far beyond a floral still life, this piece carries deep personal and historical significance. The handwritten dedication and signature by Guttuso himself, along with the inscription “Roma 15. VIII. 54,” anchor the drawing in a specific moment—postwar Italy. On the reverse, a Polish annotation dated 1962 hints at the artwork’s journey and personal ties. Gifted directly by the artist to the grandfather of the current owner, this drawing stands as both an artistic and biographical relic.

A Unique Opportunity for Collectors

Guttuso, a defining figure of Italian neorealism and resistance art, infused every line with narrative strength. This rare work—dedicated, signed, and historically dated—offers collectors not just an artwork but a compelling cultural artifact. Its museum-quality presence and direct inscription ensure its value as both an aesthetic treasure and a piece of 20th-century history.

This drawing was gifted directly by Renato Guttuso to the grandfather of the current owner, a personal dedication that reinforces its authenticity and historical resonance. The inscription “A Julius Starzinsky ricordo del nostro amico” serves not only as a mark of friendship, but also as a testament to the artwork’s traceable and meaningful provenance.

The current owner intends to use the funds obtained from the sale of the works for the rehabilitation treatment of his 15 years old Son Adam Starzyński (who was born with a genetic defect and can only move in a wheelchair, more info about Adam: https://dzieciom.pl/podopieczni/15771).

Good condition for its age. The drawing is well-preserved with no visible damage to the artwork itself. Minor signs of age on the paper edges and reverse, consistent with handling and archival storage. Frame in good condition with light wear.