Rocco Lentini

(Palermo, 1858 - Venezia, 1943)

Rocco Lentini was born in Palermo on February 17, 1858. As a young man he attended evening school to help his father, a much appreciated 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 the studio of Francesco Lojacono, the influence generated by the landscape architect, resulting in the creation of his first works ''Il portale'', ''Piazza Pretoria'' and ''Il palazzo degli Eremiti''. During his life he actively participated in Sicilian cultural life, carrying out some of the most important undertakings in his hometown, including the decorations and frescoes for the Massimo, Politeama, 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 ''Artistic and archaeological Sicily''. Together with the 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 from painting, engravings, sets, illustrations and decorations, he died in Venice on November 20, 1943 at his home in Dorsoduro.
 
Published in the book Rocco Lentini, Civica Galleria d'Arte Moderna Palermo, to which by the Priulla srl publishing house.