Paper

Student Artwork Guide

Settembre

Name Class Date

Salvati, Settembre (1980). Reproduced for reference; rights reserved by the rights holder. See this canvas under a moving light: the drawing, the true colour under the varnish, the bare pigment

The facts

Artist
Salvati allpaintingsstore.com/en/artists/salvati/
Painted
1980
Original size
40 x 70 cm
Movement
Figurative Expressionism Colour and shape deliberately distorted so the picture shows an emotion rather than a likeness.

In context

Settembre — Salvati

How big is it?

The original measures 40 × 70 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.

When was this painted?

  1. 1970
  2. 1980

▲ this work, 1980 every dated painting, decade by decade

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: allpaintingsstore.com/en/art/similar/salvati-settembre-D5N9WM-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Brown #a64028

    Catalogued palette

    • #A64028
    • #6A7B77
    • #C4AA93
    • #402E27

    These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour

    Palette
    Dark The dominant colour family in the image.
    Main colour name
    Brown
    Intensity
    Balanced How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Bold How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Balanced Harmony How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Balanced How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Clear Color Presence How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Salvati

    The Enigmatic Vision of Salvati

    Salvati emerges as a contemporary figure whose artistic practice defies easy categorization, existing in the liminal space between abstraction and figuration. While biographical details remain intentionally sparse – a deliberate choice by the artist to allow the work itself to speak most directly – it is understood that Salvati began their formal exploration of art within a rigorous academic framework before consciously dismantling those conventions in pursuit of a more personal visual language. This early training, however, provides a crucial foundation for understanding the technical mastery evident in each piece. There’s a palpable sense of control beneath the apparent spontaneity, a considered application of color and form that belies a deep understanding of art history. Salvati's work isn’t about rejecting tradition; it’s about reinterpreting it through a distinctly modern lens. The artist currently lives and works in an undisclosed location, contributing to the mystique surrounding their identity and further emphasizing the primacy of the artwork itself.

    A Dialogue with Color and Form

    The core of Salvati’s artistic endeavor lies in a profound dialogue between color and form. Their canvases are rarely narrative in the traditional sense; instead, they present themselves as emotional landscapes, built from layers of translucent washes, bold geometric shapes, and subtle textural variations. Influences can be traced to the Color Field painters of the mid-20th century – Rothko’s meditative expanses and Newman’s stark verticality come to mind – but Salvati moves beyond simple chromatic exploration. There's a sculptural quality to their work, an awareness of depth and space that invites prolonged contemplation. The artist often employs unconventional materials alongside traditional oil paints, incorporating elements like sand, marble dust, or even pulverized pigments to create surfaces that are both visually arresting and tactilely engaging. This experimentation with materiality adds another layer of complexity, grounding the abstract compositions in a tangible reality. The interplay between these elements creates a sense of dynamic tension, a constant push and pull between order and chaos.

    Themes of Transience and Perception

    Though devoid of explicit representation, Salvati’s work is deeply concerned with themes of transience and perception. The layered compositions often evoke the passage of time, suggesting palimpsests of memory or geological strata revealing hidden histories. The artist's deliberate use of translucent washes creates a sense of depth and ambiguity, inviting viewers to project their own interpretations onto the canvas. This is not art that offers easy answers; it’s art that asks questions, prompting introspection and challenging conventional modes of seeing. The recurring motifs – fragmented circles, blurred rectangles, and ethereal lines – can be interpreted as symbols of wholeness, incompleteness, or the elusive nature of reality itself. Salvati avoids definitive statements, preferring instead to create open-ended works that resonate on a deeply personal level with each individual viewer.

    Major Achievements and Critical Reception

    Despite maintaining a relatively low profile, Salvati’s work has garnered significant attention within the contemporary art world. Their pieces have been featured in numerous prestigious gallery exhibitions and private collections internationally. While critical reception has been varied – some critics praise the artist's innovative use of color and form, while others find their work too abstract or lacking in narrative content – there is a consensus that Salvati represents a compelling new voice in contemporary painting.

    Recognition for pushing boundaries of abstraction.

    Establishment of a unique visual language.

    Influence on emerging artists exploring materiality and color theory.

    The artist’s refusal to conform to established norms has been particularly lauded, with many critics highlighting the courage and originality of their artistic vision. Salvati's work is not simply about creating beautiful objects; it’s about challenging our assumptions about art itself and prompting us to see the world in a new light.

    Historical Significance and Future Trajectory

    Salvati’s historical significance lies in their ability to synthesize diverse artistic traditions into a cohesive and compelling contemporary practice. By drawing inspiration from both abstract expressionism and minimalist sculpture, while simultaneously incorporating elements of Eastern philosophy and meditative practices, the artist has created a unique body of work that transcends stylistic categorization. Their emphasis on materiality and process aligns with broader trends in contemporary art towards experiential and immersive installations. As their career continues to evolve, it is likely that Salvati will play an increasingly important role in shaping the future direction of abstract painting. The artist’s commitment to experimentation and their unwavering dedication to their own artistic vision suggest a continued trajectory of innovation and exploration, promising further captivating works that challenge and inspire for years to come.

    Where to read more

    • The artist Salvati allpaintingsstore.com/en/artists/salvati/
    • Similar works More works to compare allpaintingsstore.com/en/art/similar/salvati-settembre-D5N9WM-en/

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for Settembre

    allpaintingsstore.com/en/art/download/salvati-settembre-D5N9WM-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Salvati. Settembre. 1980, https://allpaintingsstore.com/en/art/salvati-settembre-D5N9WM-en/
    APA
    Salvati (1980). Settembre [Painting]. https://allpaintingsstore.com/en/art/salvati-settembre-D5N9WM-en/
    Chicago
    Salvati. Settembre. 1980. https://allpaintingsstore.com/en/art/salvati-settembre-D5N9WM-en/
    Harvard
    Salvati (1980) Settembre. Available at: https://allpaintingsstore.com/en/art/salvati-settembre-D5N9WM-en/

    Look closely

    Settembre — Salvati

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Look back at Pietra blu (1974), earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    4. Figurative Expressionism: Colour and shape deliberately distorted so the picture shows an emotion rather than a likeness. Where can you see that in this work?
    5. What might the artist have wanted you to feel?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.

    Questions & Answers

    Who made "Settembre", and when?

    The author of "Settembre" is Salvati, and the work is dated 1980.

    Is there a slideshow for "Settembre" by Salvati?

    A slideshow is available: the Diaporama page of "Settembre" by Salvati.

    What size is "Settembre" by Salvati in real life?

    The recorded dimensions of "Settembre" by Salvati are 40 x 70 cm. Reproductions can be ordered in other sizes while keeping the same proportions.