Collection: Luigi Bellini

Luigi Bellini was a classical painter who trained at the Academy of Fine arts in Naples, Italy. His intense fascination with the human figure contributed to a lifelong foundation in his paintings. Combining his skillful drawing ability and interest in the distinct characteristics of his patrons, Bellini was well suited to the art of portraiture.

He moved to Canada in 1957, first to Saint John, NB which he depicted in many street scenes, he moved to Toronto and in 1958 he was commissioned by the City of Toronto to paint the official portrait of Mayor Nathan Phillips which hangs in Toronto's City Hall. 

In curating an exhibition of the works by Bellini, at the Joseph Carrier Art Gallery, in Columbus Centre in 1991, then gallery director Flavio Belli successfully presented a telling account of the artist through his paintings. The rich diversity of works, carefully quilted together carries the viewer through a visual adventure of the Canadian landscape and people as seen by a unique individual.