Xylography enjoyed a unique development in Italy during the 1930s. It was performed by a reduced number of artists, who were united not only by the artistic tendency, but rather by the control and practice of this difficult and laborious technique, as well as by the love for books, which were often the showcase of xylographic engravings. Their production was diffused especially by some editors specialized in the editio picta, such as Cesare Ratta and Ettore Cozzani.
Casalmaggiore became, in those years, a point of convergence of studies and artistic experiences of engraving arts. Here, master Arnoldo Bonorandi realized a quality bibliographical collection and original etchings at Bottoli School of drawing. He incentivised donations of young artists and masters, like Adolfo de Carolis.
Aldo Mario Aroldi became a specialist of xylography and Mario Beltrami and Goliardo Padova also studied this technique.
Donated by the Aroldi family
