The transformation of realist art through the analysis of the first two series of “Il Contemporaneo. Weekly of culture” (1954-1957)

Abstract

Founded in 1954 and later downgraded to a supplement of Rinascita in 1965, Il Contemporaneo deserves thorough analysis as the primary cultural magazine of the Italian Communist Party (PCI). While it served as a mouthpiece for the party’s cultural sector, it also marked an early attempt to engage with perspectives beyond strict party lines, reaching a broader audience than just communists. This makes it essential for a conscientious examination of the destalinization years. This study will particularly focus on analyzing the images and illustrations published in its first two series, notably those created by Renzo Vespignani for the front page. Through this lens, we aim to trace the evolution of realist poetics from the national-popular, predominantly rural context of the early 1950s, to an increasingly urban and existential character. This will be contrasted with other party publications (Rinascita, Vie Nuove, Il Calendario del Popolo), where such transitions occurred much more slowly.