Antonio Laccabue changed his surname to Ligabue in 1942, reflecting his deep resentment toward his father.
Early Life and Displacement
The artist entered the world in Switzerland, where he was placed in the care of Johannes Valentin Göbel and Elise Hanselmann in 1900. Tragedy struck in 1913 when his mother, Elisabetta Costa, and three brothers died from food poisoning. Conflict with his foster mother eventually led to his admission into a psychiatric facility. In 1919, authorities expelled him from Switzerland, forcing a permanent move to Gualtieri in Italy, a town connected to his adoptive father. He arrived unable to speak Italian and struggled to integrate, frequently living as a wanderer.
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He began his artistic practice in 1920. His potential was recognized in 1928 by Marino Mazzacurati, who provided him with essential instruction in oil painting techniques. Throughout the following years, he spent his time roaming the banks of the River Po, producing works that would later define his contribution to naïve art. His life remained characterized by instability, including hospitalizations for self-mutilation and, during World War II, a period of service as an interpreter for German troops.
Recognition and Final Years
The post-war period brought increased attention from critics and dealers. A pivotal moment occurred in 1957 when journalist Severo Boschi and photographer Aldo Ferrari documented his life in Gualtieri. His professional career culminated in 1961 with a solo exhibition at the La Barcaccia gallery in Rome, followed by a major 1963 retrospective in Guastalla. After suffering from paralysis, he received baptism and confirmation into the Catholic Church. He died on 27 May 1965 in Gualtieri, shortly before a retrospective was held at the Ninth Quadrennial of Rome.
Fast facts
- Born: 18 December 1899, Zurich
- Died: 27 May 1965, Gualtieri
- Citizenship: Italian
- Original Surname: Laccabue
- Primary Fields: Painting, sculpture, printmaking
- Artistic Style: Naïve art
- Military Service: Interpreter for German troops during World War II
Questions readers ask
Why did he change his name from Laccabue to Ligabue?
He changed his name in 1942 due to his hatred for his father, whom he blamed for his mother's death.
Was he formally trained in art?
He began painting in 1920 and was later taught the use of oil painting by Marino Mazzacurati starting in 1928.