Il Fanciullo di Angera - riproduzione caravaggesca di Andrea Ravo Mattoni
Museum | Angera | Lombardia | Italy
The Boy of Angera is an impressive mural created in 2016 by artist Andrea Ravo Mattoni in the historic center of Angera, Lombardy. It is a spray paint reproduction of Caravaggio's painting "Boy with a Basket of Fruit", which is currently displayed in the Galleria Borghese in Rome.
Background and Creation
In March 2016, some walls in the historic center of Angera were vandalized with fascist slogans. In response, the city administration invited artist Andrea Ravo Mattoni to transform these walls into a monumental art installation to unite the community and enrich the aesthetics of the cityscape. The Tedeschi family, owners of the building, financially supported the project.
Artistic Approach
Born in 1981 in Varese, Andrea Ravo Mattoni is known for his large-scale murals that combine classical artworks with modern techniques. With the project "Una Pinacoteca a cielo aperto", he aims to bring significant artworks into public spaces and make cultural heritage accessible to a wider audience.
Significance of the Work
"Il Fanciullo di Angera" symbolizes the connection between the region's rich art history and the vibrant contemporary art scene. The boy with the fruit basket, depicted in Caravaggio's painting, represents the abundance and prosperity of the region, particularly the wine production that is historically significant for Angera.
Other Works by Andrea Ravo Mattoni in Angera
In addition to "Il Fanciullo di Angera", Andrea Ravo Mattoni has left other works in the city, including:
La Scapiliata: A reproduction of Leonardo da Vinci's painting depicting a female head study.
Sant'Antonio Abate: Another significant work reflecting the religious art of the region.
These works are part of Angera's "Museo Diffuso", an initiative aiming to turn the city into an open-air gallery and make cultural heritage accessible to the public.
Overall, "Il Fanciullo di Angera" helps preserve the cultural heritage of the region while enriching the contemporary art scene by bringing classical artworks into public spaces and strengthening the connection between past and present.
