Franco Magnani – A Memory Artist

Look at this painting. It was painted by Italian artist

Franco Magnani. He was born in 1934 in Pontito, Italy.
This painting shows Franco’s hometown. It was painted
in the 1980s. However, Franco left his hometown in 1958
and has never returned. Until recently he has not seen
pictures of it. He painted this painting from memory.

This photograph was taken in 1987. You can see how

similar the pictures are. However, Franco’s painting is more
beautiful. This is because his memory of his hometown is a
child’s view, that is prettier than the real thing.

Franco has lived in the USA since 1965. For many years he worked as a cook. In 1975 he
opened an art gallery, but it was closed in 1988. After that, Franco worked as a cook again
because he was poor. However, in the 1990s, his special talent* for painting from memory
was discovered, and his fame grew. Now, his paintings are worth* up to one million
dollars. They can be bought on the internet.
才能　:　talent worth　:　値する
True or False
1. Franco Magnani was born in Rome. T/F
2. Franco hasn’t lived in his hometown since 1958.
T/F
3. Franco’s painting is more beautiful than the real town. T / F
4. Franco’s art gallery was opened in 1988.
T/F
5. You can buy Franco’s paintings on the internet. T/F

Answer the Questions

1. When was the picture of Franco’s village painted?
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2. How long has Franco lived in the USA?
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3. When did Franco open an art gallery?
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4. What is Franco’s special talent?
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5. How much are some of Franco’s paintings worth?
______________________________
Your turn
What special talent do you have? (play soccer, play the piano, do a magic trick etc.)
How long have you done it?
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