Gagosian Rome is currently hosting Italian Days, a compelling exhibition showcasing Richard Avedon’s early explorations in Italy alongside his later, more iconic portraits. The exhibition, on view until the 17th of May, offers a rare opportunity to witness the roots of Avedon’s signature photographic style — one that merges raw human emotion with striking composition.
Avedon’s relationship with Italy began in 1946, just after the turmoil of World War II. The country, still recovering from its devastation, became the backdrop for his keen observations of resilience, beauty, and hardship. The Gagosian exhibition presents over twenty photographs taken in Rome, Sicily, and Venice, including the complete Italy series (1946-48) for the first time. These images, marked by their deeply personal and evocative nature, stand in dialogue with later portraits of cultural icons like Marilyn Monroe and Samuel Beckett, illustrating the evolution of Avedon’s approach to portraiture.
Among the standout pieces in Italian Days is a striking 1947 street portrait from Rome, which subtly anticipates the melancholic depth seen in his renowned 1957 photograph of Monroe. Similarly, an image of a young Sicilian boy, proud yet vulnerable, resonates with Avedon’s later self-portrait from 1963, bridging decades of artistic exploration. The exhibition also traces lighter moments, drawing connections between a 1947 dancing figure in Palermo and later, more polished depictions of movement in the fashion world, such as Audrey Hepburn’s playful grace in Funny Face.
Designed by Cécile Degos, the exhibition follows her acclaimed work on Iconic Avedon: A Centennial Celebration in Paris last year. With Avedon’s work also set to appear at the Fondation Henri Cartier-Bresson in April, Italian Days serves as a crucial prelude, shedding light on how the master’s early experiences in Italy informed his later work.
By juxtaposing his formative street photography with his more famous later portraits, Italian Days reveals Avedon’s enduring commitment to capturing the complexities of human expression. In Italy, he found not only subjects but also a profound artistic philosophy — one that would shape the course of his legendary career.
The exhibition Italian Days by Richard Avedon is on view until the 17th of May at Gagosian, Via Francesco Crispi 16, Rome, Italy.
