Through elaborate still lifes, vivid landscape paintings and thought-provoking portraits reduced to bold geometric forms, Italian artist Duilio Barnabé (who often went by Dubè) embraced the Cubist genre with a zeal to match that of his greatest inspiration, Spanish master Pablo Picasso.
Born in Bologna in 1914, Barnabé showed a strong interest in art from an early age. In his youth, he studied under Italian modern artist Giorgio Morandi, developing his skill and trying to find his own unique style.
In 1935, the Italian government drafted Barnabé to military service, where he served a tour in North Africa. He married sculptor Angiola Cassanello in 1938, and served another stint in the military in 1940, after being called to duty once again. Upon his second return from service, Barnabé was finally able to make his art in earnest. He produced works that won the Baruzzi Prize in 1941 and the International Curlandese Prize in 1943.
In 1946, Barnabé moved to Paris, where he created the bulk of his early paintings, in which Picasso's influence strongly shone through. His major artistic debut occurred in 1947, at the exhibition of contemporary Italian art in Switzerland. Many exhibitions and awards followed, including a solo show at the Venice Biennale.
In 1955, he received a gold medal from the Italian government for a series of stained glass windows he had designed. Barnabé worked in many mediums, including furniture, but his primary focus was painting. He produced a large body of work until his death in 1961 in an auto accident in the Swiss Alps.
Find authentic Duilio Barnabé figurative paintings and other art on 1stDibs.
1950s Fontana Arte Glass Plaque by Duilio Barnabè (Dubè) Crystal
By Fontana Arte, Duilio Barnabe
Located in Palermo, IT
An exceptionally rare and important mid-century modern architectural wall plaque, masterfully crafted by the Italian modernist painter Duilio Barnabè (better known as “Dubè”) for the...
Glass, Stained Glass, Paint
1950s Abstract Figural Portrait by Josef Presser
By Josef Presser 1
Located in New York, NY
Bright, vivid and quite fabulous abstract by Polish American artist Josef Presser (1909-1967), circa 1950s. Known for his figural work this is a beautifully executed portrait of two ...
Wood
$3,200 / item
H 10 in W 10.75 in D 0.25 in
Collection of Mexican Prayer Plaques "Retablos Ex-Votos" from 1950s and 1960s
Located in North Miami, FL
This is an amazing and important collection of 8 plaques (7 tin metal and one in wood) that have been hand painted by Catholic religious devotees in gratitude to either Christ, Virgi...
Tin
20th Century, attr. to Fontana Arte Glass and Wooden Shelf
By Fontana Arte
Located in Torino, Piemonte
Fontana Arte was launched in 1932 with a mission to develop products with a more artisanal feel. The Italian design company's offerings range from stained glass to furnishings and li...
Glass, Wood
Vintage Fontana Arte Style Glass and Brass Coat or Hat Rack
By Fontana Arte
Located in North Miami, FL
This is the largest mirrored coat rack in the style of Fontana Arte with glass and brass. Features 4 original glass discs to hang coats, the rack above for hats and 3 brass hooks for...
Brass
Oil on Board by Einar Granum, Norway, 1950s
Located in Benalmadena, ES
Original work by the renowned Norwegian painter Einar Granum (1920-1992), executed in oil on board. With an immersive composition and a subtly expressive color palette, this piece en...
Wood, Paint
Unique Wall Console by Fontana Arte
By Fontana Arte
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Unique wall hanging chiseled glass shelf with brass and wood details by Fontana Arte. Made in Italy circa 1950s.
Brass
1950s Tenement Row House Painting by Leonard Buzz Wallace
Located in New Windsor, NY
Purchased straight from the Estate of Leonard Buzz Wallace. Painted by Wallace who taught and lectured on fine art at Orange County Community College, Middletown, NY through out the 1960-80s. Wallace's talent and output ranged from later large amazingly executed color field and abstract paintings to earlier figurative work. The haunting and moody row house...
Canvas, Masonite, Paint
Abstract Figural Painting by John Bashor, 1950s
Located in Kansas City, MO
Painting by John Bashor (1926-2003)- Artist from Montana, professor at Bethany College in Lindsborg, KS. This work was done in the 1950's. Excellent comp...
1950s Swedish Seascape Painting
Located in New York, NY
Large 1950s Swedish seascape oil painting.
Canvas
Pietro Chiesa for Fontana Arte
By Pietro Chiesa, Fontana Arte
Located in Chicago, IL
Chiesa for Fontana Arte rare floor lamp design, 1936 Enameled aluminium, curved glass, aluminum, lacquered wood Measure: 15½ W x 11 D x 97 H in Literature: Fontana Arte: Gio...
Aluminum
$2,390 / set
H 5.12 in W 15.75 in D 6.7 in
Glass and brass bathroom set Fontana Arte mid-century 1960 style
By Fontana Arte
Located in Milano, Lombardia
his set includes a roll holder, three towel racks, and shelves that combine elegance and functionality in a refined design.Made from high-quality materials, clear glass lends a light...
Brass
$1,757 / set
H 0.4 in W 10.24 in D 25.99 in
Fontana Arte Bath Set, Mid-Century Modern Glass & Chrome, Italy, 1970s
By Fontana Arte
Located in Naples, IT
This Fontana Arte bathroom set is made of thick beveled glass and nickel-plated brass joints. It is composed of 7 different accessories : 1 Large Shelf (cm. h.1x66x26) , 2 Towel Hol...
Chrome
"Natura Morta in Blue" by Duilio Barnabé (1914–1961)
By Duilio Barnabe
Located in New York, NY
Anchored in reductive geometry, the internationally recognized Italian artist Duilio Barnabé rendered an extreme formal simplification and chiaroscuro l...