Raul Viviani

1950s Divisionist Style Portrait of Nonna -- Oil Painting on Board

Circa 1950

Raul Viviani relocated from Florence to Milan as a teenager and in 1898, joined the Accademia di Brera. Mentored by Giuseppe Mentessi, Viviani frequented the school of Famiglia Artistica studying the nude. In 1900, still only 17 years old, Viviani began producing works for the exhibition Famiglia Artistica, where he was lauded by many critics for his strong, modern landscapes. In 1902, Viviani became secretary for the Famiglia Artistica and took great interest in the Divisionists movement. Viviani made strong friendships with Emilio Longoni and Gaetano Previati, among others. In 1912, Viviani participated in the Venice Biennale, where he caught the attention of Camillo Boito, who lavished praise for Viviani’s artistic independence and technical experimentation. It was Boito, who nominated Viviani for the Accademia d’onore di Brera. Viviani’s success grew continually and he participated in an increasing number of shows at home and abroad. Viviani showed in Rome, Turin, Naples, Monaco, Paris, Brusells, Buenos Aires and Sao Paulo. In 1926, Viviani embarked on his career as a critic writing for Roma and Mezzogiorno and then became the director for the Giornale dell’Arte in 1929. Viviani’s opposition to fascism inspired him to write a series of attacks on the movement and eventually forced him to take voluntary exile. In 1931, the president of Uruguay asked him to find the Accademia di Belle Arti di Montevideo. In 1937, Viviani returned to Milan continuing his artistic career but above all his role as a critic.