(Rome 1881–1962 Turin)
View of Entreves in Courmayeur, signed C. Maggi, oil on canvas, 100 x 70 cm, framed, (GG)

Provenance:
Italian Private Collection

Cesare Maggi’s artistic career began at an early age with formal training under Vittorio Corcos (1859-1933).
He moved to Naples in 1898 to study under Gaetano Esposito (1858-1911). The following year he moved to Paris to study under Fernand Cormon (1845-1924).
Returning from Paris, and despite his training, he was far more interested in the avant-garde subjects being pioneered by the Symbolist and Divisionist painter Giovanni Segantini (1858-1899) who would have a considerable influence on Maggi’s work.
He moved to Maloja to paint the Alpine landscapes of the Engadin using the Divisionist technique. He then settled permanently in Turin.
He signed a commercial contract with Alberto Grubicy who went on to support the artist until 1913, buying his canvases and promoting his paintings. As a result, Maggi rapidly became a leading figure amongst second generation Divisionist artists in Italy. Winter landscapes were his favourite motifs. The success he achieved at the Venice Biennale of 1912 secured him international acclaim.
His enchantment with snowy landscape ensured his popular success. The present lot is an important addition to Maggi’s group of paintings celebrating Courmayeur. In 1935 he exhibited 10 views of Courmayeur in the town itself.
The present lot depicts the Brenva Glacier situated in Entreves within the commune of Courmayeur in the Val d’Aosta. The glacier cascades down to the valley. The painting radiates a quiet and reflective atmosphere, and the artist captures the view with skillful simplicity.
The artist dedicated most of his time to painting en plein air, carefully observing every nuance and detail of the landscapes.