A Thousand-Year Sleep
by Enrico Tealdi
Description
The visage of a young woman painted by Enrico Tealdi, utilising ancient medieval techniques such as gilding, represents a feminine icon that pays homage to women and acknowledges the historical suppression of their role in the societal sphere. The Piedmontese ode to the beautiful shepherdess (a motif common across many regions, with versions in both Piedmontese and Occitan) resonates with echoes from centuries past, gathering fragments of voices and numerous suppressed and obliterated narratives.
This inspiration is drawn from the multitude of exquisite paintings and frescoes found in churches and chapels throughout the Maira Valley, a testament to the legacy of itinerant painters (with the legendary figure of the Flemish Hans Clemer as a prime example) whose prominence spanned from the late Middle Ages to the 17th century. In these portrayals, women are often consigned to the periphery, limited to roles such as Mary or Magdalene. Tealdi’s depiction serves as an idealised portrait of the Maira Valley, which he elevates to a sanctified representation. Throughout his explorative odyssey, a protracted artistic pilgrimage through the Maira Valley, he was accompanied by tourist guide Donatella Guerrini.
..la bella gli rispose
“Gentile galante fatevi il vostro viaggio
E lasciatemi stare con il mio pastore
con il suono della sua ghironda
mi farà ballare
Enrico Tealdi
Enrico Tealdi was born in 1976. He resides and works in Cuneo and Angers.
His artistry unfolds like a poem articulated through the mediums of painting, drawing, and ceramics. Tealdi’s works have been exhibited extensively within Italy and internationally, and are included in both public and private collections.
