Tom B :: Matania, Fortunino

Fortunino Matania - Petronius Condemned to Die - 1935

Artist: Fortunino Matania (All)

1,655 Views - 8 Comments - 13 Likes

Fortunino Matania - Petronius Condemned to Die - 1935 Comic Art

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Additional Images:

Sucesos para Todos Cover (1935)

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Fortunino Matania - The Beloved Fool

Artwork Details

Title:	Fortunino Matania - Petronius Condemned to Die - 1935
Artist:	Fortunino Matania (All)
Media Type:	Ink Wash
Art Type:	Illustration
For Sale Status:	NFS
Views:	1,655
Likes on CAF:	13 14
Comments:	8
Added to Site:	4/9/2023
Comic Art Archive:

Description

Fortunino Matania - Petronius Arbiter - Old Tales Re-Told - Britannia and Eve Magazine February 1935 and reprinted in December 2 1950 Everybody's Magazine.

Sumptuously detailed, Matania's double page spreads typically broke down the composition into two distinct images taking into account the centerfold. Here, however, he's created a more centrally oriented composition. Though he still splits the scene, it reads much tighter as a single coherent image. Despite a typically cluttered background, the viewers eye is drawn into a circular path that leads from Petronius down to the dancer, through her graceful pose to the foreground objects, then up along the arm of the gesturing man to Petronius himself. The cycle repeats itself and it's easy to get caught up in the circle.

Thanks to Knave Musikspieler pointing out it was also used as a wraparound cover for the Mexican publication, Sucesos para Todos in 1935. I was able to track down an image. See the additional pic below.

As a side note curiosity, there is a vintage passport stamp from the Koln Airport in Germany on the reverse of the piece. Perhaps Matania was traveling at the time he completed the piece and it necessitated processing through customs.

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About the Owner

	Tom B. ( 2 )
Joined:	January 2005
Last Login:	January 2026
Country:	UNITED STATES
On CAF:	Tom's Want List Artworks Commented On Liked Art Site Activity on CAF

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Comments on this Artwork

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Tony Bologna
Member Since 2023

Posted on 4/9/2023

lol i would be down for this party

Steel Shredder
Member Since 2022

1 - Posted on 4/10/2023

Great piece. His attention to detail is always superb!

Ray Tolomeo
Member Since 2011

Posted on 4/10/2023

Wonderful piece! Wouldn't it be great if we all left this world with a party like this!

Johnny C.
Member Since 2010

Posted on 4/10/2023

Another astounding example!

Mark Levy
Member Since 2004

Posted on 4/11/2023

Still looking to add my first Matania to my gallery...ah well, looks like I lost this one to a truly dedicated collector!

artless artmore
Member Since 2013

1 - Posted on 4/11/2023

Fabulous Matania example! He could really control his values and compositions

Knave Musikspieler
Member Since 2009

Posted on 4/11/2023

I really love seeing the original of this!! It was also used as a wrap-around cover for a 1938 issue of a Mexican magazine "Sucesos Para Todos". I had not looked into what the image represented, so I am thankful knowing the English title. Beautiful!

Tom B.
Member Since 2005

1 - Posted on 4/11/2023

Knave Musikspieler wrote:

I really love seeing the original of this!!� It was also used as a wrap-around cover for a 1938 issue of a Mexican magazine "Sucesos Para Todos".� I had not looked into what the image represented, so I am thankful knowing the English title.� Beautiful!

Interesting to hear that it was also used on this side of the Atlantic. Do you have a pic of the cover? I'll love to add it here.

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