Massimo Campigli (Italy, 1895-1971)

 
Le Consolatrici (1946)
oil on canvas 23.5 x  29.5 in.

they have the staticity of Etruscan figures, something eternal

"Le consolatrici" (The Consolers) is a painting by the Italian artist Massimo Campigli, who was active in the first half of the 20th century. The painting depicts a group of women seated around a table, with their heads bent and their hands folded in their laps. The women are dressed in long, flowing garments and seem to be engaged in a serious or solemn conversation. The overall mood of the painting is one of contemplation and introspection, as if the women are seeking comfort or solace from one another.

Campigli was a member of the Novecento Italiano movement, which sought to create a new, modern style of painting that was rooted in the traditions of the Italian Renaissance. He was known for his use of bright, bold colors and his interest in the human figure, and these qualities are evident in "Le consolatrici." The painting is an excellent example of Campigli's ability to capture the psychological states of his subjects through the use of color, composition, and gesture.