Artists - Part 84

Carlo Maria Mariani

Carlo Maria Mariani (1931-2021) was an Italian painter.  Above, a self-portrait.  I think he was commenting on his style being between the ancient classical style and unrealistic 20th century art.

Some critics denounced his "postmodern" style, but at least one described it as "an extraordinarily complex, beautifully executed attempt to make classical drawing and painting meaningful again."

His style was very realistic, not at all abstract.  Sometimes his subjects are very traditional; sometimes they are puzzling.  Above, Ganimed (Ganymede), 1978, a traditional depiction of the cup-bearer and male lover of the god Zeus, who here takes the form of an eagle, which is also traditional.

Not all of Mariani's paintings feature nude males, but many of them do.  Sophrosyne, 1982, is named for the Greek concept of ideal character, including temperance, moderation, and self-control.

Lubricus Nudus Nocturnus, 1982.  The title means "Slippery Naked Night" in Latin.  This composition features a satyr with an erection and a sleeping character, possibly the Greek god Hermaphroditus, who had both female breasts and male genitals.

Dionysus, 1985, depicts the Greek god.  Mariani oddly shows him with a lion's paw.  Dionysus was associated with lions, but not just a paw, and he was also associated with snakes.

Ecco, sei tu eletto (Behold, you have been elected), 1985.  I don't know what Mariani was depicting, but it could almost be a comment on our current divisive elections. "You have been elected – now what?"

La nascita del pensiero (The birth of thought), 1985.  The large figure is holding an artist's paintbrush.  Is this about how the artist creates his works out of nothing but a thought?

Hypnos, undated, was the Greek god of sleep.

We end with Capriccio, 2000, showing a figure with what look like multiple Pinocchios.