Landscape--Grizzana

1907–1913

Teaches himself etching from books on Rembrandt

During his years at the Academy he teaches himself etching by studying books on Rembrandt. He does excellently in his studies, although his professors disapprove of the changes in his style during his final two years.

early 1910s

An unrealised dream of going to Paris

The Academy does not give him the kind of artistic training he is looking for; Paris might have, and he dreams of going, but his family's financial difficulties keep him in Bologna. He will not see Paris until 1956.

1913

The first summer at Grizzana

The family spends the summer at Grizzana after a doctor recommends healthier air for his sister Anna. Morandi first encounters the local landscape, and Grizzana becomes one of the central places in his life and work; the family later returns regularly, and during the Second World War he and his sisters stay there to escape the disruption of city life.

1913–1914

Futurist exhibitions and meetings with Boccioni and Carrà

He takes part in several Futurist exhibitions in Bologna and Rome, meets Umberto Boccioni and Carlo Carrà and is praised by Tommaso Marinetti, though his own search follows the French Cubists and, in part, Henri Rousseau. By other accounts he began exhibiting in 1914, in Bologna alongside Mario Bacchelli, Osvaldo Licini, Severo Pozzati and Giacomo Vespignani, and at the First Free Futurist Exhibition at the Sprovieri Gallery in Rome.

1914–1929

Drawing teacher in Bologna's elementary schools

He is appointed instructor of drawing in the elementary schools of Bologna, a post he holds until 1929; his family's financial difficulties keep him in his home city.

1915

Called up, then a nervous breakdown

After Italy enters the First World War in the summer of 1915, he is conscripted; because he is very tall, he is assigned to a grenadier regiment. After two months of service he suffers a nervous breakdown and is discharged.