Births on February 10

Roberto Bompiani, Italian painter and sculptor (d. 1908)

Roberto Bompiani: A Master of Italian Academic Art (1821–1908)

Roberto Bompiani, born in Rome on February 10, 1821, and passing away on January 19, 1908, was a distinguished Italian artist renowned for his contributions as both a painter and a sculptor. His life spanned a pivotal period in Italian history, from the pre-unification era through the establishment of the Kingdom of Italy, a time when Rome itself was a vibrant crucible of classical tradition and burgeoning artistic innovation. Bompiani's profound connection to his native city's rich heritage deeply influenced his extensive body of work.

Early Artistic Prodigy at the Accademia di San Luca

Bompiani's exceptional artistic talent was evident from a young age. By the remarkable age of fifteen, he had already gained admission to the prestigious Accademia di San Luca in Rome, one of Europe's oldest and most influential art institutions. Founded in 1577 by Federico Zuccari, the Accademia served as a cornerstone of artistic education, promoting classical principles and nurturing generations of artists under the patronage of the Popes and later the Italian state. His early success at the Accademia quickly set him apart: in 1836, he shared a first prize in design with his fellow student, Angelo Valeriani. Demonstrating a rare versatility, Bompiani further distinguished himself by 1839, securing top awards in both sculpture and painting, a testament to his innate skill across different artistic disciplines.

Prolific Output and the "Italian Bouguereau" Nickname

Throughout his extensive career, Roberto Bompiani proved to be remarkably prolific, with his painting output being particularly abundant. He garnered significant acclaim for his meticulous and evocative depictions of scenes from Ancient Rome. These works often captured the daily life, mythology, and grand history of the classical world, rendered with an academic precision and polished finish that resonated strongly with contemporary tastes. So profound was his mastery in this genre that he earned the esteemed, albeit sometimes debated, nickname "the Italian Bouguereau." This comparison drew parallels to William-Adolphe Bouguereau, the celebrated French academic painter known for his highly idealized, technically flawless, and often sentimental renderings of mythological and classical subjects. Like Bouguereau, Bompiani epitomized the academic tradition, emphasizing drawing, composition, and a smooth, refined surface in his art.

Notable Sculptural Contributions (1865–1870)

While celebrated primarily as a painter, Bompiani also demonstrated considerable prowess as a sculptor. His sculptural works, though fewer in number and predominantly created within a focused period between 1865 and 1870, are significant. They often echo the classical themes found in his paintings, showcasing his deep appreciation for antique forms and narratives. Some of his notable sculptural creations include:

• Sappho: A marble statue of the ancient Greek lyric poetess, known for her passionate verses. This work is housed in the Palazzo Castellani in Rome.
• Ruth: Depicting the biblical figure from the Book of Ruth, known for her loyalty and devotion.
• Amore che cerca chi deve ferire: Translating to "Love searching for one to wound," this statuette likely represents Cupid, the Roman god of desire, in a contemplative or preparatory moment, embodying the playful yet powerful nature of love.
• Alexander tames Bucephalus: A dynamic portrayal of the legendary moment when Alexander the Great, as a young prince, successfully tamed the wild horse Bucephalus, demonstrating his exceptional leadership and courage.

A Diverse Portfolio of Paintings and Frescoes

Bompiani's painted oeuvre was impressively diverse, encompassing portraits, mythological scenes, allegorical compositions, and religious works. His ability to move seamlessly between these genres underscored his versatility and technical skill:

• Prestigious Portraits:
  • Portrait of Queen Margherita (1878): A significant commission depicting Italy's first Queen Consort, housed in the Palazzo di Montecitorio, the seat of the Italian Chamber of Deputies. This work attests to his high standing in Italian society.
  • Portraits of the Borghese family: Portrayals of one of Rome's most ancient and influential noble families, highlighting his connection to the Roman aristocracy.
  • Portrait of Signora Liverani (1866): An elegant work now part of the collection at the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna in Rome.
  • Portrait of Marchese Ferrajoli.
  • Portrait of his wife (1873): A more personal work, offering insight into his private life.
• Mythological and Allegorical Works:
  • Diana and Actaeon: A classical mythological scene, likely depicting the hunter Actaeon's tragic encounter with the goddess Diana.
  • Dance and Tragedy: Two allegorical canvases created for the Theater of Santiago de Chile, demonstrating his reach beyond Italy.
• Religious Commissions:
  • Ascension of the Virgin and Crown of Thorns: Two significant canvases for a church in Santiago, Chile, showcasing his ability to handle profound religious themes.

Beyond his easel paintings, Bompiani also executed notable frescoes, a demanding and traditional technique of wall painting that requires rapid and precise work directly onto wet plaster. His frescoes contributed to the artistic adornment of significant Roman religious sites:

• Frescoes within the historic Basilica di San Lorenzo in Lucina.
• A fresco in the Basilica di Santa Maria in Trastevere depicting San Romano Martyr, one of Rome's oldest and most revered churches.
• The monumental fresco on the portico of the Cemetery of Campo Verano, titled Moses' Curse: Death of the First-born of Egypt, a powerful and dramatic scene from the Old Testament, adorning Rome's monumental cemetery.

International Recognition and Pompeian Revival

Roberto Bompiani's reputation extended beyond Italy's borders. In 1876, he participated in the influential Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia, a landmark international exposition celebrating the United States' 100th anniversary. Here, he showcased two significant works: "A Roman girl placing garlands on the bust of his father" and "Suonatore di Tibia" (The Tibia Player). These pieces marked the beginning of his immensely popular "Pompeian works," a genre that capitalized on the fervent interest in the archaeological discoveries of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Artists of this era were captivated by the everyday life, architecture, and decorative arts revealed by these ancient Roman cities, inspiring a nostalgic and detailed reconstruction of their world. Bompiani excelled at capturing this spirit, creating scenes that transported viewers back in time. Other notable works from this Pompeian series include:

• Catullus at the banks of the Tiber: Evoking the famous Roman poet in a serene, classical setting.
• L'Affissatore pompeiano: The Pompeian Billposter or Advertiser, depicting a common scene from ancient urban life.
• The Triclinium: A detailed representation of a Roman dining room, often adorned with frescoes and elaborate furnishings, where banquets were held.
• A partita a gli astragali: A lively scene illustrating a game of astragali, or knucklebones, a popular ancient Roman dice game, offering a glimpse into daily leisure activities.

Distinguished Career and Enduring Artistic Legacy

Bompiani's international recognition continued at the Mostra internazionale of Vienna (likely the Weltausstellung 1873), where he received an award for his portrait of Giovanni Battista Canevari (1872). This portrait now fittingly resides at the Accademia di San Luca, the institution where his career began. His dedication to academic principles and his profound talent led him to rise through the ranks of the Accademia, eventually achieving the esteemed positions of professor and, ultimately, president. In this role, he played a crucial part in shaping the next generation of Italian artists and maintaining the academic traditions he so skillfully embodied. Roberto Bompiani's artistic legacy was also carried forward by his children; both his son, Augusto Bompiani, and his daughter, Clelia Bompiani, followed in his footsteps to become accomplished painters themselves, underscoring the enduring artistic spirit within the family.

Frequently Asked Questions about Roberto Bompiani

When and where was Roberto Bompiani born?

Roberto Bompiani was born on February 10, 1821, in Rome, Italy.

What was Roberto Bompiani known for?

He was an Italian painter and sculptor, particularly renowned for his prolific paintings of scenes from Ancient Rome, earning him the nickname "the Italian Bouguereau."

Which prestigious art institution did Bompiani attend and later lead?

He enrolled at the Accademia di San Luca in Rome at the age of fifteen, where he later became both a professor and its president.

What type of subjects did Bompiani commonly paint?

His subjects included scenes from Ancient Rome, mythological themes, prestigious portraits (such as Queen Margherita), and religious works. He also executed frescoes in notable Roman churches and cemeteries.

Did Roberto Bompiani achieve international recognition?

Yes, he exhibited at the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia in 1876 and won an award at the Mostra internazionale of Vienna for his portrait of Giovanni Battista Canevari.

Were any of Roberto Bompiani's children also artists?

Yes, both his son, Augusto Bompiani, and his daughter, Clelia Bompiani, followed in his artistic footsteps and became painters.