Why the verbs "sculpt" and "paint" use different tenses in art criticism.
If your Italian is at B2 level, you’re ready to read art reviews in Corriere della Sera or attend a lecture at the Uffizi Gallery. But have you noticed something peculiar about Italian criticism?
The verbs that describe the artistic act are not always used in the same tense. In particular, verbs like
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1. The B2 rule: the act vs. the work
In formal Italian (C1/C2), the choice of verb tense conveys the immediacy or permanence of the act. In art criticism, the verbs “scolpire” and “dipingere” are often used with different verb tenses to express the distinctive nature of their actions. “Scolpire” is often associated with tenses that emphasize permanence and duration, reflecting the solidity and eternity of the sculptural work. Conversely, “dipingere” might be associated with tenses that suggest immediacy and transience, mirroring the fluidity and energy of the painting process.
A. Immediacy (Present Tense)
Verbs that describe an act or gesture in the process of completion or that requires interaction tend to remain in the present. In art criticism, “scolpire” and “dipingere” evoke distinct creative processes. “Scolpire” often employs past tenses, since sculpture, once completed, assumes a tangible and immutable presence. Conversely, “dipingere” can use present tenses to emphasize the continuous interaction between artist and work, suggesting a process in becoming or a visual experience that renews itself.
Common Verbs: Ha dipinto/dipinse, ha realizzato/realizzò.
Example: “Caravaggio painted David with the Head of Goliath in 1606.”
Why? The technical gesture of painting is finished, it’s a historical fact.
B. The completed but permanent act (Present Perfect or Simple Past Tense)
Verbs that describe the definitive technical act that led to the creation use the past tense (present perfect or simple past, depending on the register). This is particularly true for painting.
Common Verbs: Ha dipinto/dipinse, ha realizzato/realizzò.
Example: “Caravaggio painted David with the Head of Goliath in 1606.”
Why? The technical gesture of painting is finished, it’s a historical fact.
2. The specific case: why "sculpt" and "paint" are different
The verb “to paint” is almost always associated with the Past (present perfect or simple past) in historical contexts.
Incorrect: “Michelangelo paints the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel.”
Correct (B2): “Michelangelo painted the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in four years.”
The verb “to sculpt” often follows the same logic, but the three-dimensional nature of sculpture makes the use of the present tense (or the imperfect in narration) more common to describe the action of the subject in the work.
Correct (C1): “Bernini gives David the energy of action, while the figure is about to throw the stone.”
B2 is the level at which one understands that formal Italian does not always follow the rules of everyday speech.
3. Your Culture-First journey: analyzing real sources
To master this complexity, memorizing rules is not enough. Our B2 Italian course is based on the analysis of authentic art criticism articles (from La Stampa, La Repubblica).
In our private Italian lessons online, we analyze together the choice of verb tense made by the critic, understanding the communicative intention. This takes you from knowing the rule to using the language with intention.
If you’re tired of feeling stuck in basic descriptions of Italian art, it’s time for a methodological upgrade.
In our private Italian lessons online, we delve into the choice of verb tense used by art critics, exploring its communicative intent. This approach helps transition from merely knowing the rules to using the language with purpose. The verbs “scolpire” and “dipingere” often employ different tenses in art critiques due to their distinct implications. “Scolpire” typically suggests a completed action, solid and enduring, while “dipingere” often conveys an ongoing process, emphasizing the evolution of the artwork. By understanding these nuances, you enhance your ability to articulate critiques and appreciate the depth of artistic expression.
Learn to speak Italian with intention, utilizing online resources to deepen your grasp of these subtle linguistic elements. Through comprehensive Italian language lessons, you can master these distinctions and elevate your communication skills. Embrace the opportunity to learn Italian online and enrich your understanding of art critique terminology.
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Our 1-to-1 lessons with certified teachers are the only way to master these subtleties.
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