What does the caption actually say? All art movements being political, maybe that would help? I've got a load of art history books upstairs, so I'll have a look, but I'm afraid I can't promise anything.
What does the caption actually say? All art movements being political, maybe that would help? I've got a load of art history books upstairs, so I'll have a look, but I'm afraid I can't promise anything.
I'm thinking that the parrot head is a political caricature. Have you tried googling the words parrot, Italy and 1918 together? There may be a personality around at that time who made a quote about silence? Some newspaper headlines may be online.
You could really do with an Italian to give you a better translation, as my internet translator gave me 3 alternative meanings. It confirmed the word silence, but also suggested 'shut up'.
To be honest, I'm doubtful that this image has anything to do with 'ART'. As I understand it, in 1918 Italy was a hotbed of radical art and philosophy, and it was all 'extreme', ie... erotic, neurotic, abstracted, distressed, defiant, philosophical. Also, there was a fascination with motion and machinery. Certainly this image is having a poke at something or someone, but to me it seems mischievous rather than profound.
Hey, that's just my thoughts and I'm no great expert.
I'm thinking that the parrot head is a political caricature. Have you tried googling the words parrot, Italy and 1918 together? There may be a personality around at that time who made a quote about silence? Some newspaper headlines may be online.
You could really do with an Italian to give you a better translation, as my internet translator gave me 3 alternative meanings. It confirmed the word silence, but also suggested 'shut up'.
To be honest, I'm doubtful that this image has anything to do with 'ART'. As I understand it, in 1918 Italy was a hotbed of radical art and philosophy, and it was all 'extreme', ie... erotic, neurotic, abstracted, distressed, defiant, philosophical. Also, there was a fascination with motion and machinery. Certainly this image is having a poke at something or someone, but to me it seems mischievous rather than profound.
Hey, that's just my thoughts and I'm no great expert.
Actually, I'd forgotten something. I THINK 1918 was more about Futurism than Dada. Futurist philosophy did incorporate a certain pre-occupation with SILENCE. The empty space became important, even in the middle of sentences, poems, music, theatre...etc.. - (that's still going on today). So maybe your card was in some way related to Futurism?
You might check out Filippo Tommaso Marinetti (1876 to 1944). I bet some proper Art historian would be able to recognise immediately if this is a known image. I'm not being much help, sorry.
Actually, I'd forgotten something. I THINK 1918 was more about Futurism than Dada. Futurist philosophy did incorporate a certain pre-occupation with SILENCE. The empty space became important, even in the middle of sentences, poems, music, theatre...etc.. - (that's still going on today). So maybe your card was in some way related to Futurism?
You might check out Filippo Tommaso Marinetti (1876 to 1944). I bet some proper Art historian would be able to recognise immediately if this is a known image. I'm not being much help, sorry.
You're absolutely right! The wonderful thing about research is that there is always something new to learn. Until today I did not understand the parrot/dada thing (my student days being nearly half a century ago), but I've followed your leads and can see exactly what you are saying....Yes...undoubtedly a Dada reference.
I got as far as Max Ernst, Loplop, and his bird alter-ego....
But you are right - none of this helps you value your postcard. I guess, for the right collector, it could be very precious.
Lots of luck, and please let me know any further developments.
I also had a look at your link. Some interesting stuff there.
As Porphyryportal said, there is always something new to learn.
Over the years that I've been here, we have had a few very interesting posts researching postcards. Also, on various occasions when I've been looking for further information in relation to a postcard that has come into my possesion, I've learned a lot.
However, neither of us has helped you in putting a value to your card - good luck with your attempts.
You're absolutely right! The wonderful thing about research is that there is always something new to learn. Until today I did not understand the parrot/dada thing (my student days being nearly half a century ago), but I've followed your leads and can see exactly what you are saying....Yes...undoubtedly a Dada reference.
I got as far as Max Ernst, Loplop, and his bird alter-ego....
But you are right - none of this helps you value your postcard. I guess, for the right collector, it could be very precious.
Lots of luck, and please let me know any further developments.
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