Cylindrical blue vase with decorative gilding

Glazed ceramic vase, cylindrical in shape with a cylindrical neck. It has an everted upper rim and a flat ring base. Bright blue in color, it is characterized by concentric gilding on the upper rim and body of the artifact, of varying thickness and slightly damaged.

Small blue vase with a spherical body and decorative gilding

Small glazed ceramic vase with a globular body, a long cylindrical neck with an everted upper rim, and a flat ring base. Blue in color, it features gold decoration on the body consisting of concentric lines and a band with a distinctive Greek fret pattern. The gilding is partially damaged.

White vase with a spherical body

White glazed ceramic vase with a globular body and long cylindrical neck with an outward-curving rim. The body of the artifact is decorated with three continuous rows of faceted, rhomboid-shaped reliefs of varying sizes, with a central groove.

Multicolored vase

Glazed ceramic vase with a globular body and wide cylindrical neck, with an everted upper rim, as well as a ring foot. The surface is decorated with a multicolored pattern in shades of blue, yellow, and brown-orange.

Metal container

Small metal container (probably copper alloy) slightly tapered, resting on a saucer of the same material with a jagged edge. The outer surface features a decorative engraved phytomorphic motif, repeated across the entire surface at regular intervals.

Small blue vase

Small blue ceramic vase, ellipsoidal in shape with a very small but protruding neck. The manufacturer’s signature is present on the bottom but is illegible.

Bowl with flower vase

Hemispherical bowl in glazed blue ceramic with a ring-shaped base featuring a small hole. The exterior surface of the artifact is decorated with a mottled pattern, and inside it contains another white ceramic vessel filled with dried flowers and branches.

Vase

Globular ceramic vase with a slightly protruding cylindrical neck and a barely noticeable ring foot. Glossy brown in color, it is characterized by its distinctive mottled pattern and is paired with a similar vase of larger dimensions.

Vase

Globular ceramic vase with a slightly protruding cylindrical neck and a barely noticeable ring foot. Glossy brown in color, it is characterized by its distinctive mottled pattern and is paired with a similar vase of smaller dimensions.

Plate

Round glass plate with circular base. The surface is covered with a decorative brown film with mottled patterns, in which some shapes can be distinguished that are reminiscent of the objects used by Giorgio Morandi for his still lifes (vases, containers, jugs), among those found in his studio.

Container

Cylindrical metal container, consisting of a body with a slightly protruding base and a lid inserted on top of the body. At the joint, both the lower edge of the lid and the upper edge of the container have a slight protrusion. The artifact is characterized by a multicolored decorative film with geometric and floral shapes in blue and gold, damaged in some places due to the use of the container, which contains sugar.

Glass bottle with spherical cap

Cylindrical glass bottle with a cylindrical neck with an outward-curving rim, closed with a spherical stopper. The stopper and body of the artifact are decorated with faceted, linear geometric motifs, which are also present on the neck of the bottle.

Small glass bottle with spherical cap

Small glass bottle with a cylindrical body and neck of the same shape with an outward-curving upper edge closed with a spherical stopper. The body of the artifact is characterized by geometric incisions, a pattern of ellipses resembling eyes placed side by side and each crossed by a decussate cross. Inside the ellipses, diagonal engraved lines form an internal background, and ray-like lines can be seen above and below the elliptical profiles. The decoration is characterized by gilding that highlights the geometric motifs.

Glass jar or bottle with cap

Glass vase or bottle with a globular body and a long tapered neck ending in an outward-curving rim, into which a globular stopper with a cylindrical appendage inserted into the vase fits. It has a slightly outward-curving ring foot with a distinctive circular gold decoration, a motif repeated on the surface of the artifact and on the neck to divide the various parts of the vase/bottle. Further decoration on the body and part of the neck of the artifact is achieved through vertical grooves that emphasize the convexity of the surface.

Bottle of “Diorissimo” perfume

A parallelepiped-shaped glass bottle with curved ends. It has a cylindrical neck onto which a cap is screwed, featuring a black serrated decoration on a white background, echoed by the label positioned at the bottom of the bottle, which also bears the printed inscription: “Christian Dior/EAU DE TOILETTE/DIORISSIMO/PARIS.” The label is positioned between horizontal grooves that characterize the surface of the bottle.

Cylindrical metal container

Cylindrical metal container with lid. The body of the artifact features vertical grooves that form the decoration, while the lid has a letter j embossed in the center. Paired with a similar but larger object.

Cylindrical metal container

Cylindrical metal container with lid. The body of the artifact features vertical grooves that form the decoration, while the lid has a letter j embossed in the center. Paired with a similar but smaller object.

Candlestick

Blue glass candlestick on a circular base, with a shaped and faceted balustrade; the upper part, in a floral shape, holds a wax candle.

Vase

White glazed and engobed ceramic vase with blue phytomorphic and geometric decorations. It has a cylindrical body with convexity, a ring base, and a wide mouth. It has numerous cracks and breaks in the glaze, revealing the terracotta with which it was made. The decoration features flowers on the body of the container and continuous horizontal lines near the top and base.

Mortar and pestle

Metal mortar and pestle. The mortar is truncated conical in shape, tapering downwards, and has an upper edge that protrudes from the body, which has several horizontal linear incisions towards the top and base. The pestle has a cylindrical section with rounded ends; it also has incisions and appears to bear traces of coloring, possibly gilding.

Vase

Vase with ring foot and irregular profile, green on the outside and white on the inside.

Shell

Shell, possibly from the Strombidae family, white in color with shades tending towards sandy brown.

Little shell

Small shell, possibly from the Strombidae family, white in color with shades tending towards sandy brown.

Vase or container

Cylindrical white ceramic vase or container with an outward-curving top, rounded base, and ring foot. The body of the artifact features alternating narrow concave and convex lines that characterize its shape, while on the upper rim there are several small black dots close together, with the exception of one, which is slightly shifted toward the inside of the mouth and not next to the others; these are presumably stains.

Vase with dried flowers

Small black glazed ceramic vase with a spherical shape. It rests on a ring-shaped base and has a narrow embossed opening at the top, inside which some dried flowers have been placed.

Lucerne

Metal lamp mounted on a wooden base. The lamp consists of two leaf-shaped elements at the base and top, both with a jagged profile; in the center of the metal element at the base, which is fixed to a turned wooden pedestal with a hemispherical ring foot and a cylindrical body with a widely protruding upper rim, there is a short cylindrical support (pillar), tapered upwards, which joins the leaf-shaped element at the top. At the top of the pillar there is a metal ring that serves as a handle for carrying the lamp.

Glass pedestal

Glass cake stand with circular base decorated with raised radial grooves on the surface, hexagonal balustrade, on which there is a shelf decorated with repeated engraved plant motifs and a wavy edge. It still contains some dried lavender flowers.

Glass pedestal

Glass pedestal with circular base decorated with raised radial grooves on the surface, hexagonal balustrade, featuring a shelf decorated with repeated engraved phytomorphic motifs and a wavy edge.

Bottle

Black ceramic bottle with an ellipsoidal body, spherical base, and short neck tapering downward.

Bottle

Black ceramic bottle with a spherical base and short tapered neck.

Bottle

Gray ceramic bottle with a spherical base and short tapered neck.

Bottle

Ceramic bottle with a cylindrical body topped by a truncated cone-shaped neck with circular protrusions at the top. The ring-shaped foot is also slightly extroflexed. Distinctive features of the bottle are the coloration of the surface, which has various shades ranging from creamy white to light brown, and the decoration of horizontal circular rings that are distinguishable to the touch and sight across the entire surface.

Dish with cockerel

Colored ceramic plate with multiple concentric decorations: on the outer edge, two circular lines in shades of blue and brown stand out; this is followed by a pattern of hemispherical shapes in shades of blue, enclosed by a blue-blue circular line; more centrally, a stylized flower shape on a yellow background, with triangular petals in shades of light blue, brown, yellow, and blue, contains the figure of a colorful cockerel in the same shades, enclosed within a hemispherical decoration similar to the previous one, confined between two light blue-blue circular lines.

Cigarettes

Four packs of Philip Morris cigarettes, one of which is partially open.

Lymar color box

Rectangular box containing four ochre yellow tubes from Schoenfeld & Co. Malerfarben-und Maltuchfabrik in Düsseldorf. On the lid of the box, a white sticker bears the handwritten inscription “LYMAR” in large letters and two other inscriptions: “Vitali” in pencil; “11-3-936” in pencil or blue pen. On the lower left edge, under the sticker, the word “CALCUTTA” is stamped on the cardboard lid.

Coin purse

Brown leather coin purse or storage pouch in very poor condition, with a snap button closure. Rectangular in shape, it opens like an accordion. It contains several coins of different shapes, not all of Italian origin, including one with a hole in the center; a small key; a postage stamp; and some scraps of paper.

Pocket binoculars

Black pocket magnifier or binoculars, with black leather case. The object was manufactured by Filotecnica, as indicated by the engraving on the magnifier: “8×21 FILOTECNICA.” The object consists of two parts formed by mirrored trapezoidal elements joined together at the base at one end of each; on the other side of the base of both elements there are two cylindrical elements, both distinguished by the presence of a lens. One of the two cylinders, which has a knurled surface, allows the image to be focused.

Winsor & Newton color box

Rectangular cardboard box with a red lid bearing the printed inscriptions “ARTISTS OIL COLOR” and “WINSOR & NEWTON LTD. / LONDON – ENGLAND“ printed in white; also visible on the same surface is a white winged lion on a black background, the symbol of the British company, under which is printed the inscription ”TRADE MARK.” The edges of the lid feature similar inscriptions and a label printed with the name of the oil color contained in the box, “TITANIUM WHITE.” Inside the box is a single tube of the color mentioned.

Winsor & Newton Titanium White Color Box

Rectangular cardboard box with a red lid showing some cracks, bearing the printed inscriptions “ARTISTS OIL COLOR” and “WINSOR & NEWTON LTD. / LONDON – ENGLAND“ in white; also visible on the same surface is a white winged lion on a black background, the symbol of the British company, under which is printed the inscription ”TRADE MARK.” The edges of the lid bear similar inscriptions and a label printed with the name of the oil color contained in the box, “TITANIUM WHITE.” Inside the box are three tubes of the color mentioned.

Winsor & Newton color box

Rectangular cardboard box with a red protective sleeve featuring a rectangular hole in the lower part, through which a white winged lion on a black background can be seen, the symbol of the British company Winsor & Newton, below which is the printed inscription “TRADE MARK.” The sleeve covers a red box bearing the printed inscriptions “ARTISTS OIL COLOR” and “WINSOR & NEWTON LTD. / LONDON – ENGLAND” in white, in addition to the aforementioned representation on a black background. The edges of the box bear similar inscriptions. Inside the box are two white zinc tubes contained in light gray boxes bearing the inscriptions already noted.

Winsor & Newton color box

Scatola rettangolare di cartone con astuccio protettivo di colore rosso che presenta un foro rettangolare nella parte inferiore, tramite il quale è possibile vedere un leone alato bianco su fondo nero, simbolo dell’azienda britannica Winsor & Newton, al di sotto del quale è riportata l’iscrizione a stampa “TRADE MARK”. L’astuccio riveste una scatola rossa sul quale sono riportate le iscrizioni a stampa “ARTISTS OIL COLOUR” e “WINSOR & NEWTON LTD. / LONDON – ENGLAND” di colore bianco, oltre alla già citata rappresentazione su fondo nero. I bordi della scatola riportano analoghe iscrizioni. All’interno della scatola si trova un tubetto del colore bianco di zinco contenuti in scatole di colore grigio chiaro che riportano le iscrizioni già rilevate.

Winsor & Newton color box

Rectangular cardboard box with a red lid, printed with the words “ARTISTS OIL COLOR” and “WINSOR & NEWTON LTD. / LONDON – ENGLAND“ printed in white; also visible on the same surface is a white winged lion on a black background, the symbol of the British company, under which is printed the inscription ”TRADE MARK.” The edges of the lid bear similar inscriptions and a label printed with the name of the oil color contained in the box, “TITANIUM WHITE.” Inside the box are three tubes of the color mentioned.

W&N color box

Rectangular cardboard box with a lid, on which there is a pattern consisting of the repeated printed inscription “W&N,” an abbreviation of “Winsor & Newton,” a name used since around 1938 and then again after the war. The inscription is accompanied by the image of a winged lion. The letters and images are inscribed within diagonal lines formed by representations of paint tubes and brushes, which intersect to create a distinctive diamond pattern. On one edge of the lid is a label printed with the following text: “Series 1/ ARTISTS’ OIL COLOR/ TITANIUM WHITE/ Blanc de Titan/ Bianco di Titanio/ Blanco de Titanio/ Titanweiss/ WINSOR & NEWTON LTD.” Inside the box are three tubes of zinc white paint contained in light gray boxes bearing the inscriptions already noted.

F.lli Maimeri color box

Rectangular cardboard box with a lid bearing a stamped inscription: “Tubo XII” and several inscriptions in blue pen containing numbers, presumably a mathematical operation (subtraction). An adhesive label is affixed to the edge of the lid with the following printed inscription: “SERIE A/ BIANCO di ZINCO/ ZINC WHITE/ F.lli MAIMERI & C.” Inside the box are three tubes of the aforementioned oil paint, with labels that essentially repeat the information on the label on the box lid. The labels on two of the tubes are on a white background, while the third is on a yellow background.

Bodson and Nels color box

Rectangular cardboard box with a lid on which an adhesive label is affixed bearing the printed inscriptions: “BODSON & NELIS – LIEGE – BELGIQUE/ Bianco di Zinco – Zinkweiss/ Blanc de Zinc/ Zinkwis/ COULEUR FINE À L’HUILE-FIJNE OLIEVERVEN”. Between the brand name and the place name is a pentagonal logo on a black background with the stylized word Académie. Inside the box are two tubes of paint, both with a label on a white background with a dark red border: “Winsor & Newton Ltd./ LONDON, ENGLAND/ Artists’ Oil Color/ INDIAN RED/ Rouge Indien/ Rojo de Indias/ Indischrot.“ On the bottom of the box there is a stamped inscription that presumably refers to a date: ”21-1-1954.”

Bodson and Nels color box

Rectangular cardboard box with a lid on which a black adhesive label is affixed bearing the printed inscriptions: “BODSON & NELIS – LIEGE – BELGIQUE/ COULEUR A L’HUILE EXTRA FINE/ NOIR D’IVOIRE/ IVOORZWART/ IVORY BLACK.” Between the brand name and the place name is a logo bearing the inscription Watteau. Inside the box are five tubes of different colors, labeled as follows: “Winsor & Newton Ltd./ LONDON, ENGLAND/ Artists’ Oil Color/ Terra Rosa/ Rote Erde/ Terra Rosa”; “Winsor & Newton Ltd./ LONDON, ENGLAND/ Artists’ Oil Color/ French Ultramarine (FRENCH BLUE)/ Outremer Francaise/ Ultramar Francés”; “Winsor & Newton Ltd./ LONDON, ENGLAND/ Artists’ Oil Color/ Yellow Ochre, Pale/ Ocre Jaune Pàle/ Ocre Amarillo Palido”; “Winsor & Newton Ltd./ LONDON, ENGLAND/ Artists’ Oil Color/ Yellow Ochre, Pale/ Ocre Jaune Pàle/ Ocre Amarillo Palido”; “Winsor & Newton Ltd./ LONDON, ENGLAND/ Artists’ Oil Color/ Yellow Ochre, Pale/ Ocre Jaune Pàle/ Ocre Amarillo Palido”. On the bottom of the box there is an adhesive label with the printed words: “B.N.I./ SELLING PRICE/ per tube L. 180”.

Académie color box

Rectangular cardboard box with a lid on which a black adhesive label is affixed bearing the printed inscriptions: “ACADÈMIE/ (3) COULEUR A L’HUILE FINE (3)/ Orange de Cadmium/ Cadmium Oranje/ BELGIQUE/”. Inside the box are three tubes of different colors with the following labels: “Winsor & Newton Ltd./ LONDON, ENGLAND/ Artists’ Oil Color/ French Ultramarine (FRENCH BLUE)/ Outremer Francaise/ Ultramar Francés”; “Winsor & Newton Ltd./ LONDON, ENGLAND/ Artists’ Oil Color/ Yellow Ochre, Pale/ Ocre Jaune Pàle/ Ocre Amarillo Palido”; “Winsor & Newton Ltd./ LONDON, ENGLAND/ Artists’ Oil Color/ Yellow Ochre, Pale/ Ocre Jaune Pàle/ Ocre Amarillo Palido”.

W&N color box

Rectangular cardboard box with a lid, on which there is a pattern consisting of the repeated printed inscription “W&N,” an abbreviation of “Winsor & Newton,” a symbol used since around 1938 and then in the post-war period. in red and the figure of a white winged lion; the combinations of letters and figures are inscribed within diagonal lines formed by representations of tubes of paint or brushes, which intersect to create a characteristic diamond-shaped decoration. On one of the edges of the lid there is a label printed with: “Series 4/ ARTISTS’ OIL COLOR/ CADMIUM YELLOW (ORIENTE YELLOW)/ Jaune de Cadmium/ Kadmiumgelb/ Amarillo al Cadmio/ WINSOR & NEWTON LTD./ London, England/ Trade Mark/ Made in England.” The label has a stamped inscription: “No. 8 Tubes (22 00)”. Inside the box are four tubes of different colors, whose labels are listed in order: “REMBRANDT/ CADM. ROOD EXTRA/ ROUGE DE CAD. ECARL/ KADIMIUMROT EXTRA/ CADMIUM RED EXTRA“; ”Winsor & Newton Ltd./ LONDON, ENGLAND/ Artists’ Oil Color/ Oxide of Chrome/ Oxyde de Chrome/ Chromoxyde/ Oxido de Cromo”; “Serie A/ COLORI ad OLIO/ NERO VITE/ Noir dè Vigne/ Rebenschwarz/ Blue Black/ FRATELLI MAIMERI & C./ MILANO”; “Winsor & Newton Ltd./ LONDON, ENGLAND/ Artists’ Oil Colour/ Yellow Ochre, Pale/ Ocre Jaune Pàle/ Ocre Amarillo Palido”.

Book Masaccio

Book “TUTTA LA PITTURA DI/ MASACCIO/ BIBLIOTECA D’ARTE RIZZOLI” (Milan, Rizzoli, 1952, hardcover with illustrated color dust jacket, pp. 64 + 208 black-and-white plates and 4 color plates outside the text). Inside the book there are 6 postcards, some of which depict paintings by Masaccio, addressed to Morandi by: Francesco Arcangeli and Lamberto Vitali; De Vita; Franca Fanti; Luciana and Mario Medici; Lamberto [Vitali?]; Emilio Lavagnini and others.

Book Giotto

Book “TUTTA LA PITTURA DI/ GIOTTO/ BIBLIOTECA D’ARTE RIZZOLI” (Milan, Rizzoli, 1952, hardcover with illustrated color dust jacket, pp. 64 + 208 black-and-white plates and 4 color plates outside the text).

Brushes

Brushes with tips of various sizes, some of which were modified by Giorgio Morandi to make them more useful for his painting. The arrangement in the drawer cannot be considered identical to how it was when Morandi died, both because of subsequent additions and because, for the exhibition Morandi. Ritorno a Grizzana (July 22–August 20, 2023), some brushes were taken to the exhibition hall of the Fienili del Campiaro and displayed in a showcase, where they were still kept at the time of this intervention.

Copper plate

Slightly damaged rectangular copper plate.

Briefcase

Color case with leather handle and shoulder strap, matching the case lining, with security closure and key lock; metal finishes. The corners of the case feature leather reinforcements attached with small studs.

Historical-critical information: The briefcase was part of the outdoor equipment used by Giorgio Morandi for painting en plein air, together with a collapsible tripod and a telescope.

Telescope

Monocular telescope or collapsible (folding) spyglass made of metal (brass) covered in mahogany, consisting of three elements of decreasing diameter that fit into each other. The lenses are protected by brass caps. There is an engraved inscription on the smallest element, near the end: “C. WEST. CURSITOR ST./ CHANCERY LANE/ LONDON/ DAY OR NIGHT.” The telescope is part of the artist’s equipment.

Historical and critical information: The telescope was part of the outdoor equipment used by Giorgio Morandi to paint in the open air, along with a collapsible tripod and a paint box. Charles West was an optician active between 1817 and 1822, who worked in London in the workshop at 5 Cursitor Street. He was a relative of the better-known Charles Robert West, who had almost the same name.

Metal container

Metal container with lid and curved side handle for easy grip. It consists of a slightly tapered ring base, a globular body that tapers to a cylindrical shape at the top; it has a slightly protruding rim and is closed by a hemispherical lid, also with a protruding rim that fits exactly with the edge of the container. The side handle is fixed with protruding bolts, at the bottom of the globular body and at the top near the rim; it also has an additional metal element with one end fixed by bolts to the lid and the other curled and welded to the handle, which makes it easier to open the lid without having to remove it. There are some marks and slight dents on the cylindrical neck and lid.

Brushes

Brushes with tips of various sizes, some of which were modified by Giorgio Morandi to make them more useful for his painting. Preserved on a chair in his studio, next to an empty tube of paint and other objects.

Portable easel

Wooden board and supports (4) that, when assembled, form the portable easel used by Giorgio Morandi to paint outside his studio. The board has a handle for carrying and two leather straps (or buckles) that now pass through the handle, as well as recesses for securing the wooden supports, some of which end with a prominent rectangular part at one end so that they can be inserted and thus secured to the board. Leaning in a corner of the studio, to the left of the entrance, they are kept next to the telescope and the case for the paints used by the artist on his walks.

Frames

Wooden frames (10) of various sizes, possibly assembled by Giorgio Morandi himself.

Easel

Two-legged easel with wooden base that ensures stability and prevents it from closing. Two inscriptions, “GM” and “Tiziano,” can be seen on the wooden boards that make up the easel.

Easel

Foldable wooden easel consisting of a crossbar resting on two inverted V-shaped legs, supported by a third rear leg. It shows numerous traces of paint and some cloths used by the artist during his work are preserved on it. It is particularly noteworthy that the structure of the easel has been raised by attaching supports to the three legs that allow the tripod to be opened, recognizable because they are made of wood that is lighter in color than the original structure.

Historical and critical information: the easel in question has been recognized as the most important of those preserved in the Grizzana studio.

Bottle of “Spirito finissimo”

Transparent glass bottle with screw cap in metal, characterized by the presence of a label that identifies its origin through various printed inscriptions: “SIS/ Società Italiana Spiriti/ ROMA/ Spirito finissimo/ (alcohol ethylic)/ 95°/ ALCOOL RILAVORATO NELL’OPIFICIO IMBOTTIGLIATORE/ STABILIMENTO DI ASTI/ U.T.I.F. ALESSANDRIA – LIC. N. 1 CONT. LT. 0,25”.

Fixative bottle

Amber glass bottle with plastic screw cap. There is still liquid at the bottom. A strip of paper has been applied to the body of the bottle with the handwritten inscription: “fixative.”

Bottle

Amber glass bottle with metal screw cap. It is still almost full. A word, or perhaps a number, has been written in white on the body of the bottle, but it has not been possible to decipher it.

Bottle “F”

Amber glass bottle with plastic screw cap. There is still liquid at the bottom. The letters “F” have been handwritten in white paint on the body of the bottle.

Bottle

Transparent glass bottle with red metal screw cap. There is a residue of yellow-brown liquid at the bottom.

“Paint stripper” bottle

Amber glass bottle with plastic screw cap. There is still liquid at the bottom. A strip of paper has been applied to the body of the bottle with the handwritten inscription: “Paint stripper.”

Winton Retouching Varnish bottle

Small transparent glass container in the shape of a bottle with a screw-on metal cap. A label is affixed to the surface with the following inscription: “WINSOR & NEWTON LTD/ WINTON/ RETOUCHING/ VARNISH/ LONDON – ENGLAND.” A yellow liquid is present at the bottom.

Bottle

Amber glass bottle with plastic screw cap. It still contains liquid up to about half its height. There are no distinctive marks to characterize it.

“Bodson and Nèlis” bottle

Small amber-colored bottle with black plastic screw cap, containing liquid more than halfway full. A partially removed label is affixed to the surface, bearing the following printed inscriptions: “POUR/ COLEURS/ D’ARTS/ sèche dans la masse/ sans craquelures./ MADE IN BELGIUM/ BODSON/ E/ NÈLIS/ LIEGE.” There is also a handwritten inscription that appears to read: “SECCATIVO” (drying agent).

Lefranc bottle

Small transparent glass bottle with black metal screw cap, still containing some liquid residue. A label is affixed to the surface with numerous printed inscriptions: “VERNIS/ A RETOUCHER/ RETOUCHING VARNISH/ J.G. VIBERT/ MARQUE/ de/ GARANTIE/ USINE/ a/ ISSY (S.)/ LEFRANC/ PARIS/ LENIR LE FLACON BIEN BOUCHÈ”.

Winton Retouching Varnish bottle

Small transparent glass container in the shape of a bottle with a screw-on metal cap. A label is affixed to the surface with the following information printed on it: “WINTON/ RETOUCHING/ VARNISH/ WINSOR & NEWTON LTD/ MADE IN ENGLAND.” On either side of the main inscription, which includes a stylized version of the company logo (a winged lion), there are other inscriptions indicating the use of the liquid contained in the bottle, traces of which can be seen on the bottom.

Bottle of linseed oil

Small transparent glass bottle, still sealed, with a metal cap covered with red film. It still contains a yellowish liquid. A label is affixed to the surface of the bottle with the following printed inscription: “858/ OLIO/ DI/ LINO/ DECOLORATO/ FRATELLI MAIMERI E C. – MILANO” (858/ LINSEED OIL/ DECOLORIZED/ MAIMERI BROTHERS AND CO. – MILAN).

Bottle of walnut oil

Small transparent glass bottle with a metal screw cap, filled about halfway with a honey-colored liquid. There is a label on the surface with some stamped inscriptions, although it is slightly torn: “OLIO/ DI/ NOCE/ MARCA/ DEPOSITATA/ FRATELLI MAIMERI SA/ MILANO” (WALNUT OIL/ REGISTERED TRADEMARK/ FRATELLI MAIMERI SA/ MILAN).

Tin of turpentine

Parallelepiped-shaped tin with a cap on the top, made entirely of metal. Next to the cap is a spoon with part of the handle missing. On the outside surface is a label with several inscriptions: “FARMAC – ZABBAN S.p.A/ BOLOGNA/ OLIO TREMENTINA/ Etereo Officinale.”

TABLE (1)

Rectangular table in light wood with four slender legs that support a worktop and an additional support surface near the lower end of the legs. There are many visible marks of white paint and the worktop has numerous pencil marks indicating the positioning of objects in the space, with particular reference to the “Ovomaltina” packets, but not only. Giorgio Morandi used the worktop of the table to create the compositions depicted in his still lifes. Objects depicted in the painter’s paintings are kept on the work surface, together with others useful for his work, as on the lower surface. For a description, please refer to the following inventory items.

Jar of barley malt

Cylindrical metal jar with a coating film indicating its use. The printed inscription reads: “made from toasted cereals/…here is/natural soluble drink.” The jar is out of shape and lies on the lower surface of the table.

Blue Ovomaltine jar

Cylindrical jar used to hold the drink “Ovomaltine,” painted entirely blue. It is located on the tabletop.

White Ovomaltine jar

Cylindrical jar used to contain the drink “Ovomaltine,” painted entirely white, with the number “1” written in pencil on the lid. It is located on the tabletop.

Yellow Ovomaltine jar

Cylindrical jar used to hold the drink “Ovomaltine.” The body of the container is painted yellow, while the cap is white. It is located on the tabletop.

White Ovomaltine jar

Cylindrical jar used to contain the drink “Ovomaltina,” painted entirely white, although the color allows the original advertising film wrapped around the container to show through. The lid bears a pencil inscription: “2.” It is located on the tabletop.

Blue jar

Cylindrical ceramic vase placed on the work surface, characterized by relief decorations on the surface in the shape of flowers and leaves. Blue in color, due to the cracks on the edges, it can be assumed that it underwent a process of engobe and subsequent glazing. It has a very protruding upper edge and a flat ring base, with a clear protrusion. There is also a protruding ring on the lower part of the body of the artifact.

Jar with pouring spout

Orange ceramic jug with a truncated cone shape tapering upwards, equipped with an inverted L-shaped spout, which has one end near the base of the container and the spout positioned higher than the upper rim of the jug. An S-shaped connecting element joins the body of the object to the spout. The object is positioned on the tabletop.

Jug with handle

Metal jug or carafe consisting of a truncated cone-shaped body welded together, at the upper rim, to a trapezoidal element with a slightly protruding edge that acts as a spout. The curved handle of the object, also made of metal, is attached to the jug at two points, at the bottom and near the edge of the spout. The base of the object is characterized by alternating convex and concave surfaces. Inside the object, preserved on the table top, a roughly rolled-up rope, paper, and other objects are visible.

Nail puller pliers

Metal nail puller, consisting of two arms that rotate around a pivot. It has a longer part that serves as a handle and a shorter, curved jaw that ends with sharp gripping tips. Placed on the work surface.

Pliers

On the upper level is a pair of pliers consisting of two steel jaws joined by a hinge. The longer parts are coated with a layer of red paint, while the jaws (or tips) are shaped and appear suitable for removing screws or bolts.

CELLSA matches (5 boxes)

Rectangular matchboxes (5) bearing the advertising slogan “cellsa,” four on the lower shelf of the table and only one on the worktop. The boxes have labels with the following inscriptions in white on a blue background: “cellsa/ WOOD PARTICLE BOARD/ produced by/ UNIONE FIAMMIFERI”; the inscriptions are surrounded by additional inscriptions in blue on a white background: “UNIONE FIAMMIFERI S.P.A./ STAB. DI PUTIGNANO PISANO/ ROMA – VIA PIEMONTE 127/ FIAMMIFERI AMORFI IMPREGNATI” (UNIONE FIAMMIFERI S.P.A./ PUTIGNANO PISANO FACTORY/ ROME – VIA PIEMONTE 127/ IMPREGNATED AMORPHOUS MATCHES).

“FACIS” matches

Rectangular matchbox bearing the advertising slogan “Facis” placed on the tabletop. On the front, in white on a green background, next to the image of a man in three-quarter profile adjusting his suit, is the inscription “Facis” inside a circle; on the back is a printed inscription: “FOR NATURAL ELEGANCE, A FACIS SUIT.”

Coca-Cola matches

Rectangular matchbox bearing the advertising slogan “Coca-Cola” placed on the tabletop. On the front, there are inscriptions printed in red and green on a white background: in red, “Coca-Cola” and the beverage logo; in green, “the best refreshment.”

Linexter matches

Rectangular matchbox bearing the advertising slogan “Linexter” positioned on the lower surface of the table. On the front are printed inscriptions in red and blue on a white background: in red is the product brand name ‘Linexter’ and the words “NEI MIGLIORI NEGOZI” (in the best stores); in blue, the word “CONFEZIONI” (packages) and an elephant with a red saddle. There is also another inscription printed in white on a blue background: “FIAMMIFERI DI SICUREZZA – TIPO SVEDESE/ ANGIOLO ROSSELLI & F.LLI – EMPOLI” (safety matches – Swedish type/ Angiolo Rosselli & F.Lli – Empoli).

“Eterna” pins

Rectangular box containing drawing pins, located on the lower surface of the table. The box has a red background, within which there is a green rectangle containing yellow and black printed inscriptions: “ETERNA” and “PUNTINE ACCIAIO LUCIDO” (polished steel pins); between the two inscriptions there is a stylized drawing of a pin.

Hammer

Hammer with a rectangular wooden handle with a metal head attached. It is located on the lower surface of the table. The wood is quite damaged.

Winsor & Newton color box

Rectangular cardboard box with a red lid bearing the printed inscriptions “ARTISTS OIL COLOR” and “WINSOR & NEWTON LTD. / LONDON – ENGLAND“ printed in white; also visible on the same surface is a white winged lion on a black background, the symbol of the British company, under which is printed the inscription ”TRADE MARK.” The edges of the lid bear similar inscriptions and a label printed with the name of the oil color contained in the box, “TITANIUM WHITE.” Inside the box are nails and screws of various sizes. The box is located on the lower shelf of the table.

Colored tubes

Paint tubes (3) in poor condition and already opened, placed on the lower surface of the table. These are Winsor & Newton brand paints, respectively: “Winsor & Newton Ltd./ LONDON, ENGLAND/ Artists’ Oil Color/ COBALT GREEN/ Vert de Cobalt/ Verde de Cobalto/ Kobaltgrün”; “Winsor & Newton Ltd./ LONDON, ENGLAND/ Artists’ Oil Color/ COBALT GREEN/ Vert de Cobalt/ Verde de Cobalto/ Kobaltgrün”; “Winsor & Newton Ltd./ LONDON, ENGLAND/ Artists’ Oil Color/ COBALT GREEN/ Vert de Cobalt/ Verde de Cobalto/ Kobaltgrün.”

Blow sprayers

Spray nozzles (2), one of which retains the white plastic spout at the end. Both are articulated and made of metal. They are positioned on the lower surface of the table.

“ilesa” box

Cardboard box for “ilesa” brand light bulbs, shaped like a yellow parallelepiped with red horizontal stripes, like the company logo, partially inscribed inside the representation of a light bulb. The box contains mostly pieces of wood, but there is also a fragment of folded glossy paper with a residue of dried blue oil paint, which can be recovered by soaking it in rectified turpentine, thinner, linseed oil, or walnut oil, which we find in the studio stored in small bottles.

Hand drill

Hand drill probably used to attach canvases to frames, placed on the lower surface of the table. It has a cylindrical wooden handle with a short metal element inserted in the center. The end of the metal element attached to the handle is bent to secure it better to the structure, while the other end is twisted so that it can penetrate the wood.

Frames and canvas

Frame for canvas and stretched canvas.

Table (2)

Low table or rectangular coffee table in light wood, on four short legs; wooden segments are inserted between the legs to reinforce the base. The tabletop is characterized by L-shaped elements at the corners of the table, which serve to keep objects in place. Many objects are arranged on the tabletop, some of which are depicted in Giorgio Morandi’s paintings and are described in the inventory entries below.

Polvere di colore (?)

No description

Frame elements

Wooden boards of various sizes with one short end cut at a 45° angle. Used by the artist to construct frames.

Slow glass jar

Small transparent glass bottle without a cap, with traces of the liquid it contained. A label is affixed to the surface of the bottle with the following printed inscription: “MEDIO MAIMERI/ LENTO/ FRATELLI MAIMERI E C. – MILANO.”

“Essence of oil”

Small transparent glass bottle, still sealed, with a metal cap covered with red film. A label is affixed to the surface of the bottle with the following printed inscription: “ESSENZA/ DI/ PETROLIO/ FRATELLI MAIMERI E C. – MILANO” (ESSENCE/ OF/ PETROL/ FRATELLI MAIMERI E C. – MILAN).

Cylindrical container

White cylindrical ceramic container with gold-colored upper and lower edges, containing a cotton ball and a sponge (?).

Paper bag with string

An oblong-shaped paper bag made from wrapping paper rolled up and tied with string. The knot is clearly visible.

Color palette

A thin rectangular wooden board with a hole on one side for holding it, used for spreading and mixing oil paints, traces of which can be found on the surface; near the hole, the edge of the palette has a wavy profile so that it can be held more easily.

“CELLSA” matchbox

Boxes (2) of “cellsa” brand matches containing dried colors. On both containers, in addition to the logo featuring the name accompanied by a stylized image of three yellow trees on a brown background, there is the inscription “PANNELLO/ di particelle di/ LEGNO” (panel/wood particles).

“CELLSA” matchbox

Box of matches branded “cellsa” containing nails. The company name appears in white on a blue background on the container, along with the inscription “WOOD PARTICLE BOARD/ produced by/ UNIONE FIAMMIFERI.”

LUBIAM matchbox contains nails

Matchbox bearing the advertising slogan “CONFEZIONI LUBIAM” containing nails. The company name appears in white on a blue background on the container, along with the inscription “READ THE CONTEST RULES IN THE MAGAZINE/ OR ASK AT/ OR DIRECTLY AT”.

Box of “Turkish shredded tobacco”

A rectangular tin box with a lid attached to the back edge. The object is badly damaged and rusted, but a label can be seen in the center of the container, with the inscription “TRINCIATO TURCO/ SER[R]AGLIO” on the edge.

Watteau color box

Rectangular black or dark blue cardboard box with a lid on which a blue adhesive label is affixed bearing the printed inscription: “Bodson & Nelis – LIEGE – BELGIQUE.” Between the brand name and the place name, there is a logo bearing the inscription Watteau. Inside the box are dried oil paints preserved in folded glossy paper, which can be recovered using rectified turpentine, thinner, linseed oil, or walnut oil, found in some of the small bottles kept in the studio. Inside the box is a piece of paper with the handwritten inscription “Paesaggio” (Landscape) in pencil, which is also found inside the lid. On the back of the box is the handwritten inscription “Morandi,” above which is a stamped inscription “4. Dec. 1946.”

Coated lens box

Black rectangular cardboard box. On the side of the container there is raised lettering, only partially legible, which can be interpreted as “COATED LENS/ 135 …35/”.

“Hay” box

Rectangular cardboard box with a lid bearing the inscription in pencil: “FIENO” (hay) and a black adhesive label with the following printed inscriptions: “ACADÈMIE/ COULEUR A L’HUILE FINE/ (32) Jaune de Cadmium Orange Imit (32)/ Cadmium Geel, Oranje Imitat/”; inside an oval logo below, the label also bears the printed inscription: “Bodson & Nèlis/ Liége.” The box also contains some dried straw. On the bottom is a label with the printed inscription: “B.N.I./ SELLING PRICE/ per tube L. 180”.

Empty box

Rectangular cardboard box with a lid on which an adhesive label is affixed with the following printed inscription: “SERIE A/ BIANCO di ZINCO/ ZINC WHITE/ F.lli MAIMERI & C.” Inside the box are numerous dried oil paints preserved in folded glossy paper, which can be recovered using rectified turpentine, thinner, linseed oil, or walnut oil, found in some of the small bottles kept in the studio.

Tin box

Tin box shaped like a parallelepiped, rust brown in color, with a lid attached to the back of the container at two separate points. Inside, there is a printed inscription: “THE COMPLETEST/ OF THE KINDS/ DITTA O. KARDOS – GEOVA -”.

Shaped with a mold (?)

Black parallelepiped-shaped object consisting of two parts, one of which is inserted into the other in a specially created recess. Its use is uncertain.

Dior Parfume Box

Cardboard box shaped like a parallelepiped, packaging for a perfume, as confirmed by the inscriptions on the front: “Parfums/ Christian Dior/ PARIS”; “EAU DE TOILETTE/ Miss Dior.” On the back of the box there is another inscription: “POUR LE VOYAGE/ MADE IN FRANCE.” The box has a black and white zigzag pattern covering the entire surface, while the inscriptions are gold.

Box of permanent pigments

Cardboard box shaped like a parallelepiped, with a label affixed to one side and another to the lid, bearing the inscription: “permanent pigments/ CINCINNATI OHIO/ PASTOSE WHITE/ ARTISTS OIL COLOR/ HEAVY, FAST DRYING.” The Permanent Pigments company is also known as Liquitex.

Winsor & Newton Box

Rectangular cardboard box with a red lid, printed with the words “ARTISTS OIL COLOR” and “WINSOR & NEWTON LTD. / LONDON – ENGLAND“ printed in white; also visible on the same surface is a white winged lion on a black background, the symbol of the British company, under which is printed the inscription ”TRADE MARK.“ Above the first of the inscriptions mentioned, there is also a pencil inscription ”ultima.” The edges of the lid bear similar inscriptions and a label printed with the name of the oil color contained in the box, “TITANIUM WHITE.” Inside the box are three distinct oil paints, dried and preserved in folded glossy paper, which can be recovered using rectified turpentine, thinner, linseed oil, or walnut oil, found in some of the small bottles kept in the studio.

Ovomaltine jars

Orange jar: cylindrical jar used to contain the drink “Ovomaltine”; the lid has been painted in a gray-blue shade, while the container is painted entirely orange.

Jar without lid: cylindrical jar used to contain the drink “Ovomaltina,” with a perfectly legible label bearing several inscriptions. The main ones are: “OVOMALTINA/ COMPLETE FOOD/ Dr. A. Wander S.A. – Milan.” The jar is missing its lid and has a brushstroke of blue paint on the upper rim.

Jar with lid: cylindrical jar used to contain the drink “Ovomaltina,” with a perfectly legible label bearing several inscriptions. The main ones are: “OVOMALTINA/ COMPLETE FOOD/ Dr. A. Wander S.A. – Milan.”

Brass container with handle

Cylindrical metal container (brass), tapered towards the top and with a distinctive handle (?) on the side, secured to the body of the object by two round-headed bolts. The handle is triangular in cross-section and has a base with two rhomboidal eyelets, into which the bolts are inserted.

Container with spout

Small cylindrical metal container with a lid and a spout welded near the base. The spout appears damaged at the end and there is lint inside the hole. The lid is particularly damaged, with a bulge at the top and a slightly protruding upper edge, as is the container.

Historical-critical information: the object appears to be painted in at least one watercolor by Giorgio Morandi; although further specific evidence is needed to confirm this identification, the title is indicated as: Still Life, 1962 (Vitali no. 1281).

Jar with foot

Small hemispherical container in brown terracotta, with an outward-curving rim and a truncated conical ring-shaped foot. The artifact, which resembles a holy water font, has a blackish color that is partially faded, and inside the base there are two pencil inscriptions with the numbers “440” and “60.”

Transistor radio

Bordeaux red “Zenith Radio” transistor radio with a closable cover and gold grille on the front, where there are two rotary knobs, one for volume control and one for station search. The structure is made of plastic with light metal or tin elements.

Jug with handle

Jug with a red painted metal handle, consisting of a truncated cone-shaped body welded together at the upper rim to a trapezoidal element that acts as a spout. The curved handle of the object, which is white and also made of metal, is attached to the jug at two points, at the bottom and near the edge of the spout. The base of the jug is white and visibly protruding, compared to a structure characterized by alternating convex and concave surfaces. The inscription “2” is written in pencil on the bottom.

Table (3)

Rectangular table in light wood composed of four thin legs supporting a work surface and an additional shelf near the bottom of the legs. There are many visible marks of white paint. Objects depicted in the painter’s paintings are stored on the work surface, along with others useful for his work, as on the lower shelf. Among the objects on the work surface, presumably used by Morandi for his compositions, there is a jug in front of which is the only caption in the room, referring to the Veggetti family, who for years hosted the Morandis in the house opposite which the painter and his sisters’ residence in Grizzana was built in 1959. For a description, please refer to the inventory entries below.

Painter’s case

Painter’s case containing thirty assorted color tablets and a palette with three wells. The item is very damaged and worn from use.

Brushes

Brushes with tips of various sizes, some of which were modified by Giorgio Morandi to make them more useful for his painting. Preserved on a chair in his studio, next to an empty tube of paint and other objects.

Colored tubes

Four tubes of paint in poor condition and already opened, placed on the lower surface of the table. These are Winsor & Newton brand paints, respectively: “Winsor & Newton Ltd./ LONDON, ENGLAND/ Artists’ Oil Color/ COBALT GREEN/ Vert de Cobalt/ Verde de Cobalto/ Kobaltgrün”….

F.lli Maimeri color box

Rectangular cardboard box with lid made of the same material, containing two silver tubes of paint, of different sizes and in varying states of use; one of the two has a label affixed to it with the following printed inscription: “Winsor & Newton Ltd./ LONDON, ENGLAND/ Artists’ Oil Color/ FLAKE WHITE No. 1/ (SILVER WHITE)/ Blanc de Plomb, 1/ Blanco de Plomo, 1/ Bleiweiss, 1.” On the lid of the box there is a label that is worn by time, like the box itself, and partially torn, on which the printed inscription “SERIE A/ COLORI ad OLIO” (SERIES A/ OIL COLORS) can be partially distinguished, attributable to the company Maimeri & C.

Colors, pens, pencils

A set of dried oil paints preserved in folded glossy paper, which can be recovered after initial use with rectified turpentine, thinner, linseed oil, or walnut oil, liquids found in some of the small bottles stored in the studio. The group also includes a tube of paint from the F.lli Maimeri company, almost empty, with a label that reads: “SERIE A/ COLORI ad OLIO/ Blanc de zinc/ Zinc White/ Zinc Weiss/ F.lli MAIMERI & C./ MILANO”; there are also two pens, a pencil, and a used match.

Plumbe Line

Filo a piombo (?) realizzato artigianalmente con una sottile corda e un elemento in legno utilizzato per la realizzazione di telai perforato centralmente. L’oggetto è posizionato sul piano di lavoro del tavolo, tra alcuni sassi, castagne matte, puntine da disegno arrugginite, graffette e gomme per cancellare.

Frames

Rolled canvases to be stretched on frames, protected by wrapping paper, stored on the lower shelf of the table.

Dishcloth

A cloth or dishcloth, still unused, folded and placed on the table top, next to paints and tubes.

Ruler

Transparent rigid plastic ruler with centimeters and millimeters marked, with a total length of approximately 50 cm.

Lefranc & C. color box

Rectangular box in light-colored raw wood, with a flat lid made of the same material, containing numerous (14) tubes of paint of various sizes and brands, as well as in different states of use. A label is affixed to the lid with the following printed inscription: “LEFRANC & CIE – PARIS/ COULEURS FINES/ BROYEES A L’HUILE/ POUR LA/ DECORATION ARTISTIQUE”. On the same surface there is a stamped inscription: “0021”. The label has a noticeable blue stain near the upper right corner.

Glasses and case

Eyeglasses with amber-colored celluloid frames and square lenses; brown faux leather case.

Barilla cardboard box

Cardboard rectangle with a square recess in the center, taken from a box of Barilla pasta. On the front are several inscriptions printed on a blue background decorated with yellow grain shapes: “weight 500 grams/ pure semolina pasta/ by gra…/ G. R. F.lli Barilla – Parma/ company founded in 1877”; on the back are multiple handwritten inscriptions in pencil, presumably numerical calculations made by Giorgio Morandi.
Translated with DeepL.com (free version)

Pencils

Used pencils (3) of various lengths. One has a black barrel, the second has a blue base separated from the blue and gray coloring of the barrel by a gold line, while the third has a yellow barrel.

Drawing paper pads

Sketchbooks and drawing pads (3), in various sizes from A4 to smaller formats, placed in the corner of the table. The first of the three has the following inscription printed on the cover: “BLOCCO/ ‘FABRIANO’/ n. 513/ CARTIERE MILIANI – FABRIANO” (BLOCK/ “FABRIANO”/ no. 513/ CARTIERE MILIANI – FABRIANO) inside a decorated rectangle with a coat of arms at the top

Plastic container

Blue cylindrical plastic container with a short neck and a small hole for pouring out the powder or liquid inside. On the front there is an embossed inscription: “SODIUM HYPOCHLORITE/ SUPER CONCENTRATED/ CHLORINE/ POISON/ ORSI PRIMO/ Via Speranza, 255 – Tel. 384953/ BOLOGNA.” The neck of the container also has an embossed inscription: “INTERNATIONAL PATENT.”

Historical and critical information: Sodium hypochlorite is used as a bleaching agent and solvent. The ORSI company was founded in Bologna in 1907 by Orsi Primo and has always been dedicated to the production of powdered products for the domestic and institutional detergent market.

Vase

Ceramic vase with a globular body and long rectangular neck. The surface of the artifact has a variegated coloration ranging from shades of gray to brownish-brown, which seems to give it an almost metallic appearance, with slight irregular incisions on the globular body.

Teapot

White ceramic teapot with a cylindrical body, short cylindrical neck, spout, and a handle on the opposite side of the spout, shaped like the number 9, suitable for gripping. The artifact features blue geometric and phytomorphic decorations: on the rim of the neck, the cylindrical body, and the spout, near the bottom, at the bottom of the teapot and spout, as well as on the sides of the handle, there are continuous blue lines of varying thicknesses; on the body there is a diamond pattern composed of thin blue lines, at the intersections of which a cruciform decoration can be seen, presumably representing a floral ornament. The object is in fair condition.

Vase

White ceramic vase with a globular body tapering downwards and a short neck with a narrow mouth.

Candlestick

White ceramic holder or candlestick decorated with continuous horizontal gold lines. The artifact has a cylindrical body and a tapered neck topped by a hemispherical cap. The ring-shaped base supports an element similar in shape to the neck of the object just described.

Vase

Amphora-shaped vase (without handles) in red terracotta, globular in shape, with a short neck ending in an everted neck; the shoulder is hemispherical and the body is characterized by a continuous, convex horizontal line in relief. The ring foot, tapered upwards, rests on a parallelepiped base with a fragment.

Brushes

Brushes (4) of different lengths and colors. The first has a rough wooden handle and a modified tip (almost absent), the second and third have yellow-orange handles, while the fourth brush has a black handle; this last brush has two tips at opposite ends.

Jug

A badly damaged metal jug or carafe, consisting of a truncated cone-shaped body welded together at the upper rim to a trapezoidal element with a slightly protruding edge that acts as a spout. The curved handle of the object, also made of metal, is attached to the carafe at two points, at the bottom and near the edge of the spout. The base of the object is characterized by alternating convex and concave surfaces. The jug is placed on the table top next to a specific label: “Jug used by Giorgio Morandi/ donated to the Documentation Center/ Giorgio Morandi by/ the Francesco Veggetti Family/ Grizzana Morandi July 20, 2000.”