A Life Shaped by the Ligurian Coast

Born in Montespluga, Rubaldo Merello grew up as the son of a customs inspector before his family moved to Genoa in 1881. His path was defined by the halls of the Accademia Ligustica di Belle Arti, where he studied and eventually graduated in 1892. The early years of his career were marked by traditional pursuits, but a significant turning point arrived in 1895. Following the rejection of one of his works by the Venice Biennale, Merello began to pull away from the broader art world.

This period of withdrawal led him toward a more solitary existence. He found himself drawn to Divisionism, finding inspiration in the techniques of Plinio Nomellini and Giuseppe Pellizza da Volpedo. By 1906, he had sought refuge in San Fruttuoso, a small fishing hamlet on the Portofino promontory. For eight years, he lived within the Doria tower, choosing the quiet isolation of this coastal nook over the bustle of city life.

The Colors of Isolation

Merello’s work often reflected the specific geography of his surroundings. He became deeply attached to the landscapes of the Portofino promontory and the San Fruttuoso inlet. His paintings were not mere observations but were filtered through a unique use of color. He frequently employed unnatural, striking hues such as cobalt blue, bright green, red, and yellow to interpret the natural world.

His compositions often moved toward abstraction. In some works, he focused on the interplay between pine trees and the distant sea, creating nearly abstract arrangements of form and color. While much of his painting captured the coastal scenery, his later years also saw a focus on sculpture, particularly during the period of World War I.

The personal tragedies of his life left their mark on his creative output. The loss of his son to diphtheria in 1913 brought profound hardship to his family. During this time, some of his most raw works were created using unconventional materials:

• Blood and charcoal on paper
• Pencil and blood on paper
• Chalk on paper

Later Years and Legacy

Following the difficulties in San Fruttuoso, Merello moved his family to Santa Margherita Ligure in 1914. He continued to work as a painter, sculptor, and designer until his death in 1922. His artistic style carried elements of symbolism and the sinuous lines associated with the Liberty style.

Though he lived much of his life in seclusion, his presence remained felt in the region. In 1913, he served as a professor of painting at the Accademia Ligustica di Belle Arti. His contributions to the local art scene were recognized by the Municipality of Genoa, which purchased works of his in 1926. Today, his visions of the Ligurian coast remain preserved through collections that honor his specific, intense way of seeing the light and sea.