Walter Molino - Characters from "The Betrothed"

Lot consisting of 12 watercolors and an oil oval by the artist Walter Molino

The work comprises a batch of 12 watercolors inspired by the characters from "The Betrothed" plus an oil portrait of the author Alessandro Manzoni. The lot features depictions of the novel's most popular characters, including Renzo and Lucia, Don Abbondio, Fra Cristoforo and Cardinal Federigo, Don Rodrigo and the Unnamed, and Gertrude, the Nun of Monza. Minor but indelible characters from Manzoni's novel also appear: Agnese, Perpetua, the Pettifogger, and the Tailor. The lot, therefore, comprises a priceless work by one of the greatest exponents of Italian illustration, Walter Molino.

This work bears the unmistakable hallmark of illustrator Walter Molino. Not only with watercolor, but also with graphics and drawing, he expresses his exquisite technique in a flawless naturalistic rendering. So perfect as to be completely objective. The figures are sharp in their contours and in the clear interplay of light and shadow that determines the sculptural qualities. This objectivity, which does not yield to any pictorialism, is the legacy of an illustrator with impeccable technique. Furthermore, it must be added that Walter Molino's skill lies not only in his technical excellence, but also in his refined taste for composition. His figures and the scenes he creates are always rich in detail and curious nuance. We can see this in this series of characters from "The Betrothed," which are particularly notable for the variety of their facial features and the rich description of their clothing and accessories. Each watercolor brings to life a character perfectly defined in their portraiture and in their character, deducible from the context of the novel. Even in the portrait of the author Molino demonstrates the same mastery in the natural rendering of the subject with the oil technique.

Walter Molino (Reggio Emilia 1915–Milan 1997) was one of Italy's leading illustrators. He began his career at a very young age, publishing cartoons in daily and weekly newspapers: in the 1930s, he contributed to "Il Monello," "L'Intrepido," and "Giovinetto." Over the years, his contributions appeared in leading satirical magazines: "Marc'Aurelio," "Bertoldo," and Giovannino Guareschi's "Candido." A turning point came in 1941, when he replaced Achille Beltrame on the covers of "Domenica del Corriere": his thirty-year relationship with the magazine guaranteed him widespread popularity. After World War II, he collaborated with "Grand Hotel": he designed the magazine's logo, covers, and several sentimental graphic novels. In addition to being a prolific caricaturist and cover artist, Walter Molino was also a renowned painter.

The transaction takes place with maximum security for both the seller and the buyer. We take care of the conformity (provenance, authenticity, state of conservation) of the work and handle the shipping.
Returns are possible no later than 14 days after receiving the order.