Deaths on January 19

Roberto Bompiani, Italian painter and sculptor (b. 1821)

Roberto Bompiani (February 10, 1821 – January 19, 1908) was a prominent Italian painter and sculptor whose extensive body of work significantly contributed to the academic and classical art movements of the 19th century. Renowned for his meticulous technique and evocative historical scenes, particularly those depicting Ancient Rome, Bompiani left an indelible mark on the Roman art scene, eventually leading its most prestigious institution.

Early Life and Artistic Formation at the Accademia di San Luca

Born in Rome on February 10, 1821, Roberto Bompiani displayed exceptional artistic aptitude from a young age. By the tender age of fifteen, in 1836, he enrolled at the esteemed Accademia di San Luca in Rome, the city's premier art academy and a cradle of artistic talent. His prodigious skill quickly became evident, as he shared a first prize in design with his contemporary, Angelo Valeriani, in his inaugural year. Demonstrating a rare versatility and mastery across disciplines, Bompiani continued to excel, earning top honors in both sculpture and painting by 1839. This early command of diverse media foreshadowed a remarkably prolific career, though he would ultimately become most celebrated for his paintings.

"The Italian Bouguereau": A Master of Classical Realism

Bompiani's artistic style, characterized by a highly polished finish, idealized forms, and a strong emphasis on historical and mythological narratives, earned him the notable moniker "the Italian Bouguereau." This comparison drew parallels to the celebrated French academic painter William-Adolphe Bouguereau (1825–1905), who was equally renowned for his exquisite rendering of classical themes, mythological figures, and genre scenes with a refined, often sentimental, aesthetic. Like Bouguereau, Bompiani’s work resonated deeply with 19th-century audiences who appreciated art that combined technical virtuosity with accessible, often didactic or idealized, subject matter. His ability to evoke the grandeur and romance of antiquity through meticulous detail solidified his reputation as a leading exponent of the academic classical tradition in Italy.

A Diverse and Extensive Oeuvre: Paintings and Sculptures

Roberto Bompiani's artistic output was vast and varied, encompassing significant sculptural works, esteemed portraiture, captivating mythological and historical scenes, and monumental frescoes.

Noteworthy Sculptural Works

While primarily known for his painting, Bompiani also created a notable collection of sculptures, predominantly executed between 1865 and 1870. His sculptural pieces often echoed the classical and allegorical themes found in his paintings, demonstrating his comprehensive artistic skill.

• Sappho: A significant marble sculpture depicting the renowned ancient Greek lyric poetess, located in the Palazzo Castellani, Rome, a testament to his classical leanings.
• Ruth: Another important work, likely drawing inspiration from biblical narratives, reflecting the era's appreciation for religious themes.
• Statuettes: Including Amore che cerca chi deve ferire (Love Seeking Whom to Wound) and Alexander Tames Bucephalus, showcasing his command of dynamic composition and classical mythology in smaller forms.

Distinguished Paintings and Frescoes

Bompiani's painted output was truly extensive, spanning various genres and receiving prominent commissions.

• Prestigious Portraiture: He was a highly sought-after portraitist for European aristocracy and prominent figures, capturing their likeness with elegance and precision.
  • Portrait of Queen Margherita (1878), an important royal commission displayed at the Palazzo di Montecitorio in Rome, the seat of the Italian Chamber of Deputies.
  • Portraits of the influential Borghese family, highlighting his connections to Rome's elite.
  • Portrait of Signora Liverani (1866), a notable work housed in the prestigious Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna in Rome.
  • Portrait of Marchese Ferrajoli.
  • Portrait of his wife (1873), offering a more intimate glimpse into his personal life.
• Mythological and Allegorical Scenes: These works demonstrate his command of classical narrative.
  • Diana and Actaeon, a classical subject exploring themes of divine retribution and transformation, showcasing his ability to depict dramatic narratives.
  • Large-scale commissions such as Dance and Tragedy, created for the prestigious Theater of Santiago de Chile, indicating his international reach and ability to handle grand-scale decorative projects.
• Sacred Commissions: He executed two significant canvases for a church in Santiago, Chile: Ascension of the Virgin and Crown of Thorns, highlighting his versatile command of religious iconography.
• Monumental Frescoes: Bompiani's skill extended to large-scale mural painting, beautifying several important Roman churches and public spaces.
  • Frescoes in San Lorenzo in Lucina, a historic basilica in Rome.
  • Frescoes in Santa Maria in Trastevere, including San Romano Martyr, contributing to the rich artistic heritage of this ancient Roman church.
  • A powerful monumental fresco on the portico of the historical Cemetery of Campo Verano: Moses' Curse: Death of the First-born of Egypt, a compelling biblical narrative executed with dramatic flair.

International Acclaim and "Pompeian Works"

Roberto Bompiani gained significant international recognition for his "Pompeian works," a genre that uniquely captured the widespread fascination with the archaeological discoveries at Pompeii and Herculaneum in the 19th century. These paintings meticulously recreated daily life and classical settings of ancient Rome, often with a charming and idealized realism, appealing to a public captivated by classical antiquity.

His introduction to this popular genre occurred prominently at the Centennial Exhibition of 1876 in Philadelphia, United States, a world's fair celebrating a century of American independence. Here, Bompiani exhibited two pivotal works:

• A Roman Girl Placing Garlands on the Bust of Her Father, a tender depiction of classical family life.
• Suonatore di Tibia (The Flutist), a vivid and popular depiction of an ancient musician.

These exhibits were among the first of his acclaimed Pompeian series, which subsequently included highly sought-after pieces that transported viewers to a romanticized ancient world:

• Catullus at the Banks of the Tiber, depicting the renowned Roman poet in a contemplative setting.
• L'Affissatore Pompeiano (The Pompeian Bill Poster), offering a glimpse into mundane ancient activities.
• The Triclinium, illustrating a classical Roman dining room scene, rich in detail and historical context.
• A Partita a gli Astragali (A Game of Knucklebones), capturing ancient leisure activities with engaging realism.

Further cementing his international reputation, Bompiani also exhibited at the Mostra Internazionale (International Exhibition) in Vienna, where he received an award for his exquisite Portrait of Giovanni Battista Canevari (1872), a work now proudly displayed at the Accademia di San Luca, a testament to its enduring artistic merit.

Academic Leadership and Enduring Artistic Legacy

Roberto Bompiani's distinguished career culminated in his appointment as a professor and later, the esteemed president of the Accademia di San Luca in Rome, the very institution where his artistic journey began. His leadership at such a venerable academy underscored his profound influence on the Italian art establishment and on generations of aspiring artists. Bompiani’s dedication to classical principles and academic rigor left an indelible mark. The artistic tradition continued within his family, as both his son, Augusto Bompiani, and his daughter, Clelia Bompiani, followed in his footsteps, establishing their own careers as painters and contributing to the family's artistic legacy.

Frequently Asked Questions About Roberto Bompiani

Who was Roberto Bompiani?

Roberto Bompiani (1821-1908) was a distinguished Italian painter and sculptor, widely recognized for his academic style, particularly his detailed historical scenes of Ancient Rome, and his significant contributions to 19th-century Italian art. He eventually served as president of the Accademia di San Luca in Rome.

Why was Roberto Bompiani called "the Italian Bouguereau"?

Bompiani earned this nickname due to stylistic similarities with the French academic painter William-Adolphe Bouguereau. Both artists were known for their highly refined technique, polished finishes, idealized forms, and their focus on classical, mythological, and historical subjects, which appealed to the popular tastes of their era.

Where can I see Roberto Bompiani's artwork?

Bompiani's works are housed in various institutions and public spaces. Notable locations include the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna in Rome (e.g., Portrait of Signora Liverani), the Accademia di San Luca (e.g., Portrait of Giovanni Battista Canevari), and the Palazzo di Montecitorio in Rome (Portrait of Queen Margherita). Some of his sculptures, like Sappho, can be found at the Palazzo Castellani, Rome. His frescoes adorn churches like San Lorenzo in Lucina and Santa Maria in Trastevere, and the portico of the Cemetery of Campo Verano in Rome.

What are "Pompeian works" in Roberto Bompiani's art?

"Pompeian works" refer to a popular genre of paintings by Bompiani that meticulously recreated scenes of daily life and classical settings from ancient Rome, often inspired by archaeological discoveries at Pompeii and Herculaneum. These works, characterized by their idealized realism and historical accuracy, were highly sought after in the 19th century and showcased his ability to transport viewers to a romanticized classical past.