Leonor Fini

Leonor Fini is an Argentinean artist, of Italian origin born in 1908 in Buenos Aires.

She spent her childhood in Italy, homeland of her mother, and never met her father as he passed away early. Her maternal bourgeoisie family was very knowledgeable, and allowed her to grow up in an environment, ideal for creation and art.

Leonor Fini began painting at the age of 17, and left her family to settle down in Milan.

In 1937, she moved to Paris and became friends with André Breton and his group of surrealists. The latter made the young woman discover movement theories, and this inspired her paintings.

She also met Georges Bataille, Max Ernst, Paul Eluard and Victor Brauner, with whom she became friends.

In 1946, she met the Italian diplomat, Stanislao Lepri and fell in love with him. He joined her in Paris and they lived together under Lepri passed away.

Despite her relations and influences, Leonor Fini retained her artistic independence, exploring various universes herself.

The artist addresses themes like celebration, eroticism, youth and cruelty...Women are the main focus of her work, they look like enchanting seducers but also angelic priestesses.

Leonor Fini has created several portraits of her friends, especially those with whom she likes spending time, but also of famous people.

She also worked in theasers, as a costume designer and decorator.

The artist participated in more than 45 personal and collective exhibitions in Europe. Several poets and writers are inspired by her character and her work for their writing, and nine movies were dedicated to her story.

Leonor Fini passed away in a hospital in the Parisian region, in 1996.