Carlo Levi

Carlolevi

Carlo Levi
Born	29 November 1902 Turin, Italy
Died	4 January 1975 Rome, Italy
Nationality	Italian
Occupation	Painter, Writer, Activist, Anti-fascist, Doctor
Notable work	Christ Stopped at Eboli

Carlo Levi (29 November 1902 – 4 January 1975) was an Italian painter, writer, activist, anti-fascist, and doctor. He is best known for his book Christ Stopped at Eboli (Cristo si è fermato a Eboli), which is a memoir of his time in internal exile in Basilicata during the Fascist regime of Benito Mussolini.

Early Life and Education

Carlo Levi was born in Turin, Italy, into a wealthy and intellectual Jewish family. He studied medicine at the University of Turin, where he graduated in 1924. Despite his medical degree, Levi was more interested in painting and writing, and he soon became involved in the cultural and political life of Turin.

Political Activism

Levi was an outspoken critic of the Fascist regime in Italy. His political activities led to his arrest and subsequent exile to the remote region of Basilicata in southern Italy in 1935. It was during this period that he wrote his most famous work, Christ Stopped at Eboli, which provides a vivid account of the harsh living conditions and the resilience of the local peasants.

Literary Career

Levi's literary career is marked by his deep empathy for the marginalized and his critique of social injustices. Christ Stopped at Eboli was published in 1945 and has since been translated into numerous languages. The book was later adapted into a film directed by Francesco Rosi in 1979.

Artistic Career

In addition to his writing, Levi was an accomplished painter. His works often depicted the landscapes and people of southern Italy, reflecting his deep connection to the region. His paintings have been exhibited in various galleries and museums across Italy and Europe.

Later Life and Death

After the fall of the Fascist regime, Levi continued to be active in politics and culture. He was elected to the Italian Senate as an independent in 1963. Carlo Levi died in Rome on 4 January 1975.

Legacy

Carlo Levi is remembered as a multifaceted intellectual who made significant contributions to literature, art, and political thought. His works continue to be studied and appreciated for their profound humanism and social critique.

Related Pages

• Christ Stopped at Eboli
• Fascist Italy
• Basilicata
• Francesco Rosi
• Italian Senate