Giovanni Giacometti Biography
Giovanni Giacometti was born in Borgonovo di Stampa in 1868 and was one of the leading figures of Italian-Swiss painting of his time. He had a great capacity for stylistic renewal and cultural and pictorial mediation, although his talent was often hindered by economic problems which did not allow him to take off immediately as a painter. Although his family was not particularly wealthy, given his talent, Giacometti was able to study first in Chur, and after a few years in the great city of Munich. However, although in the early years of his youth the artist had the opportunity to attend several private schools, success was slow in coming. In fact, he was unable to enter the Academy until 1888 when he moved definitively to Paris with Cuno Amiet and was admitted to the Julian Academy where he studied until 1893, the year in which he made a short trip to Italy, where he met Giovanni Segantini, with whom he became close immediate friendship. Forced to return to Borgonovo, his hometown, Giacometti was hindered by financial problems that prevented him from fully cultivating his passion and talent. Giacometti's stylistic talent is undeniable, but it was not immediately recognised: it was his teacher who recognized his ability, especially in drawing, and pushed him to pursue a career as a painter, but his first studies did not have the desired effect. The year of success and turning point was 1898, when Giovanni Giacometti exhibited his works and paintings in many European cities, first of all Zurich: after that year he became a member of the Federal Art Commission, finally obtaining recognition and success he had hoped for. His artistic career gained momentum starting in 1912 when the painter organized an exhibition in Dresden; other highly successful international exhibitions followed, until 1933, when the painter died at the age of 65 in Glion.
