Tor Alosson
Luigi Pericle Giovannetti, known as Luigi Pericle, was a renowned Swiss painter and illustrator of Italian descent. His life and work are a testament to creativity, versatility, and artistic exploration. Born on June 22, 1916, in Basel, Switzerland, Pericle’s journey as an artist was marked by self-discovery, international recognition, and the creating of iconic characters and artworks. This article delves into the fascinating biography and artistic contributions of Luigi Pericle, shedding light on his impact on the world of art.
| Luigi Pericle Giovannetti | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Swiss Painter and Illustrator | |
| Born | 22 June 1916 Basel, Switzerland |
| Died | 19 August 2001 Ascona, Switzerland |
| Nationality | Swiss |
| Origin | Italian descent |
Early Life and Artistic Beginnings
Luigi Pericle Giovannetti’s heritage was a blend of Italian and French roots. His father, Pietro Giovannetti, hailed from Monterubbiano in the Marche region of Italy, while his mother, Eugenie Rosé, had French origins. Pericle’s diverse cultural background would later influence his artistry.
Pericle began his artistic journey at sixteen by enrolling in an art academy. However, he soon decided to follow his path and became a self-taught artist. He was profoundly curious about various philosophies during his youth, including East Asian, ancient Egyptian, and Greek teachings.
Marriage and Seclusion
In 1947, Pericle married Orsolina Klainguti, a painter from the Grisons region of Switzerland. Their union marked the beginning of a lifelong partnership both in marriage and art. In the 1950s, the couple moved significantly to Ascona, where they chose to live a secluded life.
During this period, Pericle penned his handwritten autobiography, titled “Bis ans Ende der Zeiten” (Until the end of time), completed in 1994 but never published. In this intimate account, Pericle referred to the years between 1958 and 1965 as “Jahre des Umbruchs” or “the years of radical change.”
Their residence in Ascona, “Casa San Tomaso,” became synonymous with Pericle’s life and art. After passing in 2001, the house remained closed for sixteen years, as he had no heirs. It wasn’t until December 2016 that the property was purchased by his neighbors, leading to the discovery of hidden treasures, including paintings, inks, and unpublished documents.
Max the Marmot and Cartoon Production
Pericle’s artistic journey took an exciting turn when he began working as a draughtsman, creating content for the British satirical magazine Punch. Here, he introduced different comic book characters and stories to the world.
In 1951, Pericle’s first book, “Das betrunkene Eichhorn” (The Drunken Squirrel), was published under Pericle Giovannetti by Vineta Verlag publishing house. He also contributed an illustrated children’s book for the Swiss Union of Free Trade Unions as a Christmas gift in 1952.
However, it was in 1953 that Pericle created his iconic character, Max the Marmot. Max was the protagonist of wordless comic strips designed to appeal to audiences of all ages. Max’s adventures resonated globally, making him particularly popular in Europe, the United States, and Japan.
The book “Max” experienced multiple reprints between 1954 and 2004, solidifying Max’s place in the world of comics. The success of Max led to the publication of various works, including “Max Presents Portraits, Sketches, Vignettes, and Pictorial Memoranda of Men, Women, and Other Animals” by Creative Media Partners in 2015.
Pericle’s talent as an illustrator extended beyond comics. His work was featured in prominent publications like The Washington Post, New York Herald Tribune, and Punch. During this career phase, he signed his work as Giovannetti or Pericle Giovannetti.
The adventures of Max and other characters were reprinted multiple times in countries such as Germany, France, and the United Kingdom, further cementing Pericle’s reputation as an influential illustrator and cartoonist.
The Transition to Luigi Pericle
In 1959, Pericle transitioned to using the name Luigi Pericle. This shift marked a significant period in his career. He began collaborating with Peter G. Staechelin, an art collector from Basel, who acquired several of Pericle’s works for his collection.
In 1962, Pericle met Martin Summers, a gallery owner and curator at the Arthur Tooth & Sons Gallery in London. This meeting resulted in two solo exhibitions in 1962 and 1965 and two group exhibitions in 1964, further showcasing Pericle’s artistic prowess.
1963 saw Pericle’s works exhibited at the Castelnuovo Art Gallery in Ascona. His encounter with Hans Hess, a museologist and curator of the York Art Gallery, led to an itinerant solo exhibition in British museums, including York, Newcastle, Hull, Bristol, Cardiff, and Leicester.
Pericle’s work caught the attention of Herbert Read, a prominent art critic and co-founder of the Institute of Contemporary Art in London. Read curated Pericle’s second solo exhibition in London and penned the preface to the catalog, eventually included in the book “Luigi Pericle: dipinti e disegni” (Luigi Pericle: paintings and drawings). During the 1960s to the 1980s, Pericle produced a series of works on canvas, masonite, inks, and drawings.
Legacy and Lasting Impact
Luigi Pericle’s artistic legacy lives on through his works, which have found homes in esteemed collections. His paintings are now part of the Municipal Collection of Ascona, the permanent collection of the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery in Bristol, and the York Art Gallery Museum in York.
In recent years, the Luigi Pericle Archive has undertaken extensive research, resulting in the artist’s rediscovery. An exhibition at the Fondazione Querini Stampalia in 2019, titled “Luigi Pericle: Beyond the Visible,” introduced Pericle’s art to new generations of admirers.
Pericle’s contributions to comic and illustrated books, including “Max” and “Hamid of Aleppo,” continue to be appreciated by readers and art enthusiasts worldwide.
In conclusion, Luigi Pericle Giovannetti, known as Luigi Pericle, was a multifaceted artist who ventured into comics, illustration, and fine art. His ability to create iconic characters like Max the Marmot and his evolution into a respected painter demonstrate the breadth of his talents. Pericle’s art has left an indelible mark on the world of creativity and continues to captivate audiences, transcending time and borders.
Read also: Wolfgang-Adam Töpffer (1766-1847): A Legacy of Swiss Art and the Birth of Comics and Rodolphe Töpffer: The Pioneer of European Comics and the Father of Comic Strips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about Luigi Pericle Giovannetti
1. Who was Luigi Pericle Giovannetti?
Luigi Pericle Giovannetti, also known as Luigi Pericle, was a Swiss painter and illustrator of Italian origin. He was born on June 22, 1916, in Basel, Switzerland, and passed away on August 19, 2001, in Ascona.
2. What was Luigi Pericle’s early life like?
Luigi Pericle was born to an Italian father, Pietro Giovannetti, from Monterubbiano, and a mother of French origin, Eugenie Rosé. He attended an art academy at sixteen but later became self-taught. During his youth, he independently studied East Asian, ancient Egyptian, and Greek philosophies.
3. Can you tell me more about Luigi Pericle’s family life?
In 1947, Luigi Pericle married the Grisons painter Orsolina Klainguti. The couple moved to Ascona in the 1950s, leading a secluded life until their deaths.
4. What is the significance of Luigi Pericle’s handwritten autobiography?
Luigi Pericle authored a handwritten autobiography titled “Bis ans Ende der Zeiten” (Until the End of Time) in 1994, although it was never published. In this autobiography, he described 1958 to 1965 as “Jahre des Umbruchs” or “the years of radical change.”
5. Tell me more about Luigi Pericle’s famous creation, Max the Marmot.
Luigi Pericle created Max the Marmot in 1953, a character featured in wordless comic strips suitable for all ages. Max gained international fame and popularity, especially in Europe, the United States, and Japan. The book “Max” was reprinted multiple times and remained influential in comics.
6. What are some notable works by Luigi Pericle?
Luigi Pericle’s artistic contributions include “Das Betrunkene Eichhorn,” “Hamid of Aleppo” (co-authored with Clive King), “Nothing But Max,” “Birds without Words,” and “The Penguin Max.” His illustrations were featured in popular publications such as The Washington Post, New York Herald Tribune, and Punch.
7. When did Luigi Pericle use his full name, Luigi Pericle?
In 1959, Luigi Pericle Giovannetti began signing himself as Luigi Pericle. This transition marked a significant period in his artistic career.
8. What is the significance of Luigi Pericle’s exhibitions in London?
Luigi Pericle held solo exhibitions in London in 1962 and 1965 at the Arthur Tooth & Sons Gallery. He also participated in group exhibitions, including “Colour, Form and Texture” and “Contrasts in Taste II” in 1964. Notably, Herbert Read, an art critic and co-founder of the Institute of Contemporary Art in London, curated his work.
9. Where can we find Luigi Pericle’s paintings today?
Luigi Pericle’s paintings are now part of several prestigious collections, including the Municipal Collection of Ascona, the permanent collection of the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery in Bristol, and the York Art Gallery Museum in York.
Since the end of 2018, the Luigi Pericle Archive has conducted further research, resulting in the artist’s rediscovery. An exhibition titled “Luigi Pericle: Beyond the Visible” took place at the Fondazione Querini Stampalia from May 11 to November 24, 2019, accompanied by the publication of the catalog “Luigi Pericle. Beyond the visible.”
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