Work by Italian painter Mario Ortolani could be considered naïf at fist glance, but as the gaze lingers, references to works by the masters start to emerge. Scenes of village life by Breughel come to mind, as do fantastical depictions by Hieronymus Bosch. There is more than a touch of fantasy in Ortolani's vivid tableaus, as insects and animals looming large when a city is under siege. The Umbrian artist's stylized people are also present in simple rural scenes, set against backdrops such as dance contests and harvests.

Artist: Mario Ortolani
+ marioortolani.com

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