731. Mario de Ferrante (Italian/American, 1898-1992), “Abstract Forms”, c.1950; oil/canvas, 22" x 28”, signed. Studied with Antonio Mancini in Italy before coming to the United States in 1922. He was one of the original followers of the Italian Manifesto, ringing in Futurism. The Futurists, led by Fillipo Tommaso Marinetti, believed that it was crucial to tear down all traditions of past painting philosophy (manifestos were written regarding art, music, literature, drama, etc.), and begin a new technical and artistic endeavor. The futurists worshipped science and industry, and believed that human emancipation would arrive in its vehicle. Traditional compositions in art were abandoned, and dynamic, abstract compositions were favored. When he first came to the US, he executed murals and alfresco, as well as being one of the first members of the Serigraphy Institute of Los Angeles. DeFerrente continued to work in Los Angeles, establishing a studio in Glendale. His work was included in many successful exhibits in the L.A. area. His work is in the collections of the Library of Congress, U.S. Bureau of Information (Wash. DC), Princeton, Yale, and Brigham Young Universities. 2000-3000