The 1951 Mostra di Caravaggio e dei Caravaggeschi at the Royal Palace in Milan served as a definitive exhibition, showcasing the meticulous research of Roberto Longhi. Born in Alba in 1890, this Italian academic spent his professional life analyzing the development of painting through extensive archival study and the direct observation of lost masterpieces across Europe.
Academic Formation and Early Writings
Longhi studied at the University of Turin under Pietro Toesca and later under Adolfo Venturi in Rome. In 1914, Venturi appointed him as the book reviews editor for the journal L'Arte. Between 1912 and 1917, Longhi contributed numerous essays to L'Arte and La Voce, focusing on artists such as Orazio Gentileschi, Mattia Preti, and Orazio Borgianni. His academic career transitioned into formal teaching in 1935 when he accepted a professorship at the University of Bologna, followed by a tenure at the University of Florence.
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The study of Caravaggio occupied a significant portion of Longhi's career, resulting in works such as Quesiti caravaggeschi (1928–34) and Ultimi studi caravaggeschi (1943). He produced a monograph on the artist in 1968. Simultaneously, his 1928 monograph on Piero della Francesca defined the painter as the leading figure of the Quattrocento. Longhi argued that della Francesca exerted a decisive influence on the evolution of Venetian painting, a conclusion that established the study as a classic of the field.
Research, Curation and Magazine Editing
Longhi conducted a Grand Tour of Europe between 1920 and 1922 to view works firsthand, which led to the discovery of several lost items, including panels from a Giotto altarpiece. He curated exhibitions including the 1948 Mostra della pittura bolognese del Trecento, the 1953 I pittori della realtà in Lombardia, and the 1958 Arte lombarda dai Visconti agli Sforza. In 1950, he co-founded the magazine Paragone with his wife, Lucia Lopresti, who authored works under the name Anna Banti.
Legacy and Fondazione Roberto Longhi
Upon his death in Florence on 3 June 1970, Longhi established the Fondazione di Studi di Storia dell’Arte Roberto Longhi. He bequeathed his extensive art collection, personal library, and photographic archives to the foundation to support scholarly research. His wife later left their residence, Villa Il Tasso, to the organization. Longhi is buried at the Cimitero Evangelico agli Allori. In recognition of his contributions, he was named a Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic in 1969.
Fast facts
- Born: 1890, Alba, Italy
- Died: 3 June 1970, Florence, Italy
- Educated at: University of Turin
- Employers: University of Bologna, University of Florence
- Notable Publication: Officina ferrarese (1934)
- Awards: Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
- Burial site: Cimitero Evangelico agli Allori
- Memberships: Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, Accademia della Crusca
Questions readers ask
What institutions was Roberto Longhi associated with?
He was a member of the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, the Accademia della Crusca, and the Koninklijke Vlaamse Academie van België voor Wetenschappen en Kunsten.
What is the purpose of the Fondazione Roberto Longhi?
The foundation promotes art history studies by awarding grants to scholars to conduct research in Florence using the collection and library bequeathed by Longhi.
Achievements
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic
