Edoardo Gelli

1851 - 1933

Essentials

  • Died: 1933
  • Born: 1851, Savona, Italy
  • Copyright status: Public domain
  • Lifespan: 82 years
  • Nationality: Italy
  • Top 3 works: Oriental Woman

The Life and Artistic Journey of Edoardo Gelli

Born in Savona, Italy, Edoardo Gelli was a painter who dedicated much of his career to the cities of Florence and Vienna. His formal training began at the Regio Istituto di Belle Arti in Lucca, where he studied under Carlo Dal Poggetto and Antonio Fontanesi. He later moved to Florence to continue his education at the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze, training under Antonio Ciseri. His early work often focused on historical costume subjects, such as scenes from the Thirty Years' War and Charles I in Van Dyck's Studio, as well as genre scenes set in convent environments or the 18th century.

In the 1880s, Gelli shifted his focus toward portraiture. His reputation grew significantly during his time in Vienna, where he exhibited at the Künstlerhaus and received commissions from the Habsburg court, including Emperor Franz Joseph I. Upon returning to Italy, he became a resident academician of the Accademia di Belle Arti of Florence and painted members of the House of Savoy. His diverse subject matter also included religious triptychs and portraits of notable figures such as Giacomo Puccini and Mark Twain.

Notable Works and Exhibitions

Gelli's portfolio includes a variety of celebrated works held in prestigious collections. His 1882 painting, Oriental Woman, is part of the Bratislava City Gallery. Other significant works include:

Throughout his career, Gelli participated in numerous international exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale and the Exposition Universelle in Paris. His portrait of the Royal Family of Siam, painted in 1899, is currently displayed in the throne hall of the Grand Palace in Bangkok.

Questions & Answers

In which historical period did Edoardo Gelli work?

Edoardo Gelli worked in the 19th-Century period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.

How do I find all works by Edoardo Gelli in a given medium?

To find all works by Edoardo Gelli in a given medium, use the artist's All Medium page.

Where can I find statistics about Edoardo Gelli's works?

The Stats page of Edoardo Gelli presents statistics computed from the artist's artworks listed on this website.

What moods do Edoardo Gelli's artworks express?

The Mood Room of Edoardo Gelli is a page that arranges the artist's artworks by mood.

Test your eye

There is only one correct answer for each question.

Question 1:
In which city was Edoardo Gelli born?
Question 2:
Which famous American author did Gelli portray in 1904?
Question 3:
To which royal family did Gelli paint a large portrait in 1899?
Question 4:
Where did Gelli live and work between 1886 and 1888?
Question 5:
Which institution appointed Gelli as a resident academician in 1888?