Giorgio Morandi was one of the greatest artists in the history of Italy. He was the eldest of five children born into a middle-class family in Bologna, Italy. His early love of art upset his father, who wanted his son to work with him in his export business. Morandi attempted the business unsuccessfully in 1906.
After that, Morandi entered the Bologna Academy of Fine Arts in 1907. He continued his study with the support of his mother when his father suddenly passed away in 1908, forcing him to support his mother and younger sisters. During that time, he was introduced to Cubism and Futurism, which influenced his early work.
After he graduated from the Bologna Academy of Fine Arts in 1913, Morandi continued his study by traveling around Italy, especially to the Venice Biennale. Those tours would finally prove important, as Morandi seldom traveled overseas after the 1920s, and much of his future exposure (接触) to painters came from published art works. He was especially interested in the work of Impressionists like Claude Monet, as well as following greats such as Georges Seurat and Paul Cezanne. He also traveled within Italy, especially to see galleries and exhibitions, and was far more well-traveled than some historical sources show him to be.
After Morandi finished his traveling, he returned home and lived with his family. For many years, Morandi kept a peaceful daily routine. And he did most of his work in his workshop, a small room in a flat he shared with his mother and sisters.
Life wasn’t easy for him at first, but he quickly established himself as an important modern artist. His skills of color, light and arrangement began to gain notice, shining in the face of current painting in the manner of abstraction (抽象). And he was named “one of the greatest painters living” by Roberto Longhi in 1934.
4. What did Morandi’s father think of his love of art?
A.He was against it. | B.He showed a great interest. |
C.He had mixed feelings about it. | D.He was neither for nor against it. |
5. Why did Morandi travel around Italy after graduation?
A.He needed to make money in this way. |
B.He wanted to learn more about painting. |
C.He chose to relax after studying for years. |
D.He was looking for works of Impressionists. |
6. What did Morandi like doing after returning to live with his family?
A.Learning different skills. | B.Keeping himself very busy. |
C.Working quietly in his workshop. | D.Thinking for hours in his workshop. |
7. What can we learn about Morandi from the last paragraph?
A.He was an important modern artist at first. |
B.He didn’t like creating works of abstraction. |
C.He was good at color, light and arrangement. |
D.He didn’t become known until after his death. |