Sicilian Artist, Antonio Ligabue

Welcome to Poetry Friday, this week hosted by Elizabeth Norton Here. Thank you, Elizabeth for hosting this week!

Often I surprise myself with the topics I find for my weekly posts. I think that is what I enjoy most about writing this blog. It often takes me places I’ve been and have forgotten. Wonderful places. This week it is Sicily. It was beautiful, but, oh, it was hot when my husband and I traveled there in 2016. One day it was 107 degrees F. This dog knew how to stay cool.

So we spent some time indoors at a small, out of the way museum. That was where I discovered artist Antonio Ligabue. You can read details about his life and see some of his work Here. His paintings and drawings were gaining attention in Italy during the early 1950’s. He passed away in the 1960’s.

Ligabue was a genius who suffered from mental illness which is one reason why he has been likened to Van Gogh. Another reason is his work. Below is a still life that charmed me. I love his whimsical flowers that dwarf the table. I love the ornate setting.

Below is a signed self portrait. I was taken by the playfulness in his work, personality in his face, suit, and hat!

This is a quote from Mr. Ligabue, likely at a time when he felt frustrated or unable to make ends meet, was posted at the museum:

Io sono un grande artista, la gente
non mi comprende, ma bu giorno I miei quadri costeranno tanti soldi e allora tutti capiranno chi veramente era Antonio Ligabue.

I am a great artist. People don't get me, but one day my paintings will cost a lot of money, and then people will truly understand what kind of man was Antonio Ligabue.

I don’t know what his work would cost now. But no matter what price, I think he was a wonderful artist, not to mention self-confident in his abilities. 

TO A STRIVING ARTIST
A poem inspired by the life of Antonio Ligabue

You might be disappointed
that your work isn't noticed
right away,
 
perplexed.

But someday,
who knows when,
maybe in seventy years,
or much sooner,
someone may discover your
painting and ask,

"Who IS the artist?"

and because a small
steady smouldering fire
has slowly caught on,
 
someone nearby
will tell them.


©Janice Scully

Stay safe and well, everyone, and have a wonderful weekend.

13 thoughts on “Sicilian Artist, Antonio Ligabue”

  1. Janice, thank you for an introduction to the life and artwork of Ligabue. His work is fascinating. Striking colors blended with playful intent and/or intensity of subject matter make him an artist like Van Gogh. I love his attention to detail. Your poem is a tribute to his life work. I would live to travel to Sicily but the heat index on your trip
    Must have tipped the scales!

  3. I love this, Janice! Thanks for pointing out the reasons you love his painting, and especially for your poem. Smoldering fire is perfect! Sounds like the heat of the day prompted an artistic adventure.

  5. Thank you, Janice, for the peek into Sicily (though I do NOT want that heat… I am so so ready for heat to break in Alabama!). Your blog is always a treat. xo

  6. How wonderful! I love that you discovered this artist while in Sicily. You brought back memories of one very special art museum I came across when I lived in Greece. It had one painting that I just knew I would remember always. I miss traveling. I want to be that small, smokey fire that let’s others know. Wonderful post.

  7. Even I with my limited art skills/knowledge can see the likeness to Van Gogh. (In fact, before I read your post, I thought it must have been a Van Gogh replica.) What insight into the frustrations of an artist. I get it. That belief in a work – and the need to hang on and keep trying until you find that publisher…

  8. Thank you for this introduction to the artist – I’m betting he’d be thrilled to know he was featured on your blog. I love how you ended this poem:

    “and because a small
    steady smouldering fire
    has slowly caught on,

    someone nearby
    will tell them.”

    Sometimes falling in love with a piece of art is like that – a spark that catches, smoulders and then burns, and we can spread that love by sharing it with others – as you did today. Thank you!

  9. Thank you for sharing the work of this new-to-me artist, Janice. I love the idea of the smoldering fire catching on.

  10. My blog is a place of great freedom and surprise also for me, Janice. Thanks for sharing about this painter–I believe I’ve seen his works in French museums. All those roaring mouths–it must have been hard to be Antonio.

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