Fortunato DEPERO

(Fondo, 1892 - Rovereto, 1960)

Signed "F.D." (upper right)

This work demonstrates execution and stylistic methods that perfectly match those of the works created for the 1952 design competition for an Agip-Supercortemaggiore gasoline logo. It refers to a series of small sketches (now part of the Depero Museum collection) presented by Depero, where the figurative styles are already clearly outlined. Depero leaves blank spaces where the inscription "Super Cortemaggiore" appeared in these sketches. This is a "painterly" revival of one of his famous paintings from 1923 (Solid in Speed/The Motorcyclist), which in this case takes on "poster-like" characteristics, with a deliberate search for even more aerodynamic volumes. In conclusion, Depero here recaptures his best plastic dynamism from the 1920s. As for the winner of the competition, Federico Seneca, Depero commented at the time: "A six-legged dog has won, resembling an inn sign..."