Rocco Lentini

(Palermo, 1858 - Venezia, 1943)

Rocco Lentini was born in Palermo on 17 February 1858. As a young man he attended evening schools to help his father, a highly regarded decorator, in the activity he carried out in the noble palaces of Palermo and in the Carolino theatre. At the age of 15 he entered Francesco Lojacono's studio, the influence generated by the landscape designer resulted in the creation of his first works ''Il Portale'', ''Piazza Pretoria'' and ''Il Palazzo degli Eremiti''. Throughout his life he actively participated in Sicilian cultural life, creating some of the most important undertakings in his hometown, including the decorations and frescoes for the Massimo, Politeama and Bellini theatres, for the central station and for the interiors of the palace. of the Eagles. He also organizes the "1st Sicilian exhibition of black and white painting, sculpture", held at Villa Gallidoro, as well as being the founder and one of the directors of the monthly ''La Sicilia artistice e archeologica''. Together with numerous national and international exhibitions, such as in Rome in 1929 at the Casa d'Arte Baldi, he took part in the Venice Biennials of 1905 and 1922. An artist who ranged between painting, engravings, scenography, illustrations and decorations, he died in Venice on 20 November 1943 in his home in Dorsoduro.
 
Published in the book Rocco Lentini, Civica Galleria d'Arte Moderna Palermo, to which the publishing house Priulla srl.