Leonardo de Mango (1843-1930)
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Leonardo de Mango was an Orientalist Italian painter known for his exotic portrayals of Eastern landscapes and figure study compositions. Like many other Orientalist painters, Mango delved himself into the culture of his subjects, and lived in and traveled to many places worldwide instead of just passing through. Though he spent most of his life in Turkey, Mango also traveled to Syria, Lebanon, Egypt and a number of other places in his lifetime
He would generally date and sign his work “De Mango” in a distinct script on the front of his canvas. Mango is primarily known for his Orientalist compositions, and though he certainly painted academic subjects as a student, these pieces would likely be a rare find.
Mango’s interest in art began when he taught himself to draw at the age of 19. Two years later, he enrolled in the Naples Academy of Fine Arts where he studied until 1870. While he was a student, Mango studied under Flippo Palizzi, a landscape artist. However, he was most certainly more influenced by teacher and painter Domenico Morelli, an Orientalist painter. Morelli painted romantic genre themes that include religious imagery and historical activities, and his style was certainly a precursor to the one that Mango would adapt.
Mango spent nearly 50 years living in Istanbul, Turkey, arriving during the reign of the Sultan Abjulhamid II. It is said that while he lived there, he created some 1,500 paintings and drawings in his Beyoglu studio. Mango lived in Istanbul until his death in 1930, and painted in the plein air technique, as well as in his studio. He was forced to leave briefly in 1911 during the Tripolitanian War, but returned in 1912.
He was known for his delicate treatment of scenes and was praised for his creation of soft light on his canvases. He was a highly prolific artist, and worked in a number of mediums, but generally chose to use oil, watercolor, ink and pencil. He exhibited quite often, and was always well received, and considered to be a gateway painter to the East.
Today, Mango’s work is housed in public and private collections all over the world, and perhaps in your own home. Still wondering about an Orientalist painting hanging on your wall? Contact us; it could be by Leonardo de Mango.
