Francisco Amighetti

FRANCISCO AMIGHETTI (San José, Costa Rica 1907 -1998).
"Park", 1983.
Woodcut on paper. Copy 6/51.
Signed and dated in the lower right corner. Titled and justified in the lower left corner.
Measurements: 43 x 47 cm; 60 x 65 cm (frame).
Francisco Amighetti Ruiz was one of the great exponents of Costa Rican art of the 20th century. Born in San José in 1907, he dedicated his life to painting, engraving and writing, leaving a legacy of more than 500 works that reflect the identity, traditions and social reality of Costa Rica.
His work in woodcut was especially important for the development of national art. Influenced by Japanese art and German expressionism, he began making woodcuts in the 1920s. His works, loaded with symbolism and irony, dealt with themes such as death, old age, aggressiveness and the daily life of the popular sectors. Over the years he evolved towards chromoxylography, producing large format pieces of great expressive force, until he became the main reference of this technique in Costa Rica.
Although he began studying at the Academy of Fine Arts, he preferred to develop his art independently, distancing himself from European academic models. He was part of the artistic movement known as La Nueva Sensibilidad, focused on the representation of national and popular themes. In addition to his artistic work, he was a university professor and muralist, creating important works in public institutions in the country. His cultural contribution earned him the Magón Award and recognition as Benemérito de la Patria.