Ritorno dalle Colonie Marine is a 1934 painting by Marisa Mori, an Italian painter and scenographer working within the Futurism movement. The work’s title—Return from the Seaside Colonies—reflects the social practices of early twentieth-century Italy, where organized maritime colonies provided leisure and education to youth.
Mori studied under Felice Casorati between 1925 and 1931 in Turin, where she was part of a cohort of artists that included Carlo Levi and Paola Levi-Montalcini. Her work in the 1930s demonstrates the range of subject matter explored by women artists within Futurism, beyond the movement’s celebrated focus on speed and dynamism. The painting dates from the middle of Mori’s career, a period marked by continued exhibition activity and artistic development.
About Marisa Mori
Born Maria Luisa Lurini in Florence in 1900, Marisa Mori moved to Turin in 1918. She studied briefly under Leonardo Bistolfi before joining Casorati’s private school, where she remained until 1931. Mori exhibited her work from the mid-1920s onward and continued painting until her death in 1985.
Details
- Creator: Marisa Mori (1900–1985)
- Year: 1934
- Movement: Futurism
- Medium: Painting
Frequently asked questions
Who was Marisa Mori?
Marisa Mori was an Italian painter and scenographer born in Florence in 1900 and active in the Futurism movement. She studied under Felice Casorati in Turin from 1925 to 1931 and exhibited regularly from the mid-1920s onward.
What were seaside colonies in Italy?
Seaside colonies were organized recreational and educational facilities for youth that operated in Italy during the early twentieth century. The title of this work references the return of participants from such institutions.
What was Mori’s role in Futurism?
Mori was one of many female artists active in the Futurism movement, contributing to its artistic practice through painting and scenographic work throughout her career.