Artist: Mario Sironi (Italian, 1885-1961). Title: "Camion e Fabbrica". Medium: Mixed media drawing on paper. Date: Composed c1940-1941. Dimensions: Overall size: 6 11/16 x 8 1/2 in. (170 x 216 mm). Image size: 6 11/16 x 8 1/2 in. (170 x 216 mm). Lot Note(s): Signed lower center. Condition: overall good; small pencil sketch, verso; trimmed irregularly on the left margin; small "x" shape tear repaired with tape, verso; hinging tape, verso; very small (1/8") marginal tear, lower center; text verso, which roughly translated states "All: The Knight Excellency Benito Mussolini, the Duce of Fascism, Head of Government, I have the honor of presenting you the Italian Statistical Yearbook 1940 XVIII, which, by reason of the state of war, only contains the chapters, the publication of which is promulgated under the 23rd Decree of 5 October 1933, XI, number 1722. Rome, 14th July 1940, year XVIII. The President, Institute of Central Statistics, Franco Savorgnan.". Comment(s): This drawing is a prime example of Sironi's signature work, characterized by massive, immobile, often somber forms, which he excelled at during the 1930s and early 1940s. A supporter of Mussolini, his esthetic of brutal monumentality represented the dominant style of Italian Fascism. He was an Italian modernist artist who was active as a painter, sculptor, illustrator, and designer. During his lifetime Sironi exhibited internationally. It is possible that the cellular style of his compositions exhibited in the US during the 1930s influenced WPA muralists. In the postwar years, Sironi fell from favor due to his earlier association with Fascism, and was accorded little attention from art historians. A revival of interest in Sironi's work began in the 1980s, when his work was featured in major exhibitions, notably 'Les Réalismes' at the Centre Georges Pompidou (1981) and 'Italian Art in the Twentieth Century' at the Royal Academy, London (1989). Image copyright © The Estate of Mario Sironi. [28484-1-6000]