1841 -1917 · Macchiaioli, Parisian impressionism and modern intimacy

Cafés, boulevards, women reading or doing their hair and soft colors make Federico Zandomeneghi a unique Venetian voice at the heart of Parisian impressionism.

Federico Zandomeneghi was born in Venice in 1841 into a family of sculptors. However, he chose painting and studied at the Venice Academy then in Milan. Engaged in the Italian national movement, he joined the Garibaldian volunteers before settling in Florence in 1862. At Caffè Michelangiolo, he met the Macchiaioli, whose painting by masses of light and color encouraged direct observation of modern life. In 1874, Zandomeneghi left for Paris, first for a brief stay, then settled there permanently. In 1874, Zandomeneghi left for Paris, first for a brief stay, then settled there permanently. In 1874, Zandomeneghi left for Paris, first for a brief stay, then settled there permanently. He frequented Degas, Renoir, Pissarro and the critic Diego Martelli, and participated in four impressionist exhibitions between 1879 and 1886. His gaze preserved however, its own sensitivity, nourished by Venetian color and the solidity of Italian figures. Cafés, squares, mills, quays and street scenes alternate with quieter interiors: woman writing, reading, washing, hairdressing or conversation. Pastel became an essential medium, capable of uniting drawing and colorful vibration. From the 1890s, the merchant Paul Durand-Ruel supported his work and ensured international distribution. From the 1890s, the merchant Paul Durand-Ruel supported his work and ensured its international distribution. Zandomeneghi often favored female models without reducing them to spectacle: absorbed by a task, they fully occupied their space. Zandomeneghi often favored female models without reducing them to spectacle: absorbed by a task, they fully occupied their space. Zandomeneghi often favored female models without reducing them to spectacle: absorbed by a task, they fully occupied their space. Died in Paris in 1917, he appeared as a conduit between Italian realism, impressionism and intimacy of the Belle Époque. The "Federico Zandomeneghi" selection notably compares Impressions of Rome and Place d’Antwerp, Paris. His reading favors drawing.

Zandomeneghi observes Paris with a Venetian memory: modern life remains fast, but color gives ordinary gestures lasting softness.