Enzo Cucchi

Roma

Short Review

This painting by Enzo Cucchi is a glimpse of Rome and features the fountain known to the Romans as "The Baboon Fountain" because the statue resembled a baboon. The presence of the moon suggests that the painting is nocturnal, although the statue is reflected in the fountain's water as if it were daytime. There is also a plant that resembles an agave, seen from afar, as if in profile, at the edge of the pool, while at the bottom of the painting is represented a sun This rumor gives the fountain its name, Via del Babuino. It's worth noting that Cucchi has always been fascinated by Rome's fountains, often featuring them in his paintings.

We can guess the meaning of the work. The fountain is a source of life or inspiration. The baboon is the monkey, understood as a primitive and shamanic animal. Thus, Cucchi blends myth, Baroque Rome, and the jungle, the monkey.