Man Sleeping in Green Coat

Sandro Chia (born 1946, Florence, Italy) is a prominent Italian painter and sculptor, widely recognized as one of the leading figures of the Transavanguardia movement, Italy’s answer to Neo-Expressionism in the late 20th century. Chia’s work is characterized by its vibrant color palette, dynamic brushwork, and figurative imagery, often drawing on classical themes and mythological references reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. He works across painting, sculpture, and works on paper, and his style is noted for its energetic forms and expressive narratives.

Chia’s art has been exhibited in major international institutions, including the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) in New York, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, and the Stedelijk Museum in Amsterdam. He represented Italy at the Venice Biennale in 1980 and 1984, and his works have been the subject of solo exhibitions at renowned venues such as the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York and the Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris. In the auction market, Chia’s paintings and sculptures have been offered by leading houses such as Christie’s, Sotheby’s, and Phillips, with notable results reflecting his status in contemporary art. His works continue to be sought after by collectors and institutions worldwide, affirming his significant contribution to postwar European art.