Nina Delleani was an Italian painter, primarily known for her work in the early to mid-20th century. Born on July 2, 1888, in Tortona, a small town in the Piedmont region of Italy, Delleani was part of a wave of female artists who emerged in the wake of the impressionist movement, though her work also showed elements of realism and post-impressionism.
Delleani's family was supportive of her artistic pursuits, which was somewhat unusual for women of her time. Her father was related to the painter Lorenzo Delleani, who was well-regarded in Italy, and this connection may have helped her to access artistic training and circles otherwise difficult for women to penetrate. She studied art in Turin, where she was exposed to the burgeoning cultural scene and the influence of Italian impressionists. Her early work demonstrates a strong command of color and light, characteristics that would define her oeuvre.
Throughout her career, Delleani focused on a variety of subjects, including landscapes, still lifes, and portraits. She was particularly acclaimed for her ability to capture the atmospheric qualities of the Italian countryside, and her landscapes of the Piedmont region were celebrated for their vibrancy and emotive power.
During World War I, Delleani's work took a more somber turn, reflecting the turmoil and suffering caused by the conflict. However, she never abandoned her commitment to beauty and craftsmanship. After the war, she continued to exhibit her work widely, both in Italy and abroad, gaining recognition and a number of awards for her contributions to Italian art.
In the interwar period and after World War II, Delleani's style evolved, showing an interest in more modernist trends without entirely abandoning her impressionist roots. She remained active in the art world until her later years, serving as a mentor to younger artists and continuing to exhibit her work.
Nina Delleani passed away on June 10, 1967. While perhaps not as widely known today as some of her contemporaries, Delleani's work is held in several Italian museums, and she is remembered for her contributions to early 20th-century Italian art. Her legacy is one of perseverance and dedication to the craft of painting, as well as the trail she blazed for women artists in Italy during a time when they were often overlooked.