Ponte di Nassa, Gaspare Gussoni, 1903; Aldo Borletti, 1921; in Pinacoteca il Divisionismo collection since 2008.
This remarkable piece by Angelo Morbelli is an oil on canvas painting. Considering the scale of this painting - 71*112cm, one of most admirable facts about this painting is its style - Divisionism. This technique follows breaking down pigment or a patch of color into small strokes or points. Morbelli was one of its leading pioneers and officially launched this stylistic genre in 1885. The artist throughout his career liked to capture the melancholy, expectations, and loneliness of old age. Often painting the elderly in their solitude. This painting delves into similar themes. This scene is probably of a regular evening in an old age home. Here, we see old women ready at the dinner table - all lost in thought. The focus is clearly on the women sitting upfront, their grim expressions and pondering hands convey a sense of reminiscent melancholy. The women in the background are seemingly faceless however, they too carry a sense of introspection. The artist has used dull warm colors to convey a sense of sadness, yet the fiery red of the womens' clothing portray the burning sense of nostalgia they carry on. The title of this painting - I remember when I was a Girl; is aptly representative of the yearning these women have in their hearts. The faded and dull walls portray the distant and hazy dream of youth. Contrastingly, the light from from the windows expresses the happiness and light-hearted playfulness these recollections bring for those trapped in melancholic loneliness. Morbelli through this painting has perfectly narrated the feelings of loneliness, hope, and nostalgia.
This painting I Remember When I Was a Girl by Angelo Morbelli represents old age, loneliness, and the power of memories. The women sitting together appear silent and thoughtful, showing how people often look back at their younger days. The dull colours and quiet environment create a feeling of sadness, while the light from the windows suggests hope and comfort found in memories. The red clothing also reflects the emotions and experiences they still carry within themselves. Through this artwork, Morbelli shows that even when time passes and youth disappears, memories continue to remain an important part of human life.
