Hidalgo flutist
The fantastical figure conceived by Morici and its meaning
In literature, the term "Hidalgo" (which in Castilian referred to the nobleman or gentleman) denotes a nobleman who has lost most of his family's wealth but retains the honors and privileges of his rank. A prototypical example of an hidalgo in literary fiction is Don Quixote, the protagonist of Cervantes' novel, who is satirically portrayed as someone who aspires to live as a wandering knight despite his precarious financial situation. Morici draws inspiration from Don Quixote to create the figure of the Hidalgo: a dreamer and penniless character, reflecting the artist himself and serving as a source of inspiration throughout his artistic career. This type of hero, emaciated and noble, is depicted in various roles, much like Don Quixote, representing an extreme personification of classical humanitas in its contemporary, restless, and heroic form; an effective symbol of displacement and solitude, melancholy, and biting sarcasm. Morici’s Hidalgos are mechanically perfect beings, self-portraits equipped with wheels and baroque tubing. The bank holds splendid examples of these in the form of oil paintings and etchings.
Hidalgo flutist
We are in front of the historic Palazzo Campisi, admiring the "Hidalgo Flautist," a sculpture in iron by the Sambucese artist Alessandro Becchina—son of Gianbecchina, the Maestro of 20th-century Sicilian art—portraying the fantastic character born from the poetic imagination of the Palermo artist Gino Morici, to whom the work is dedicated. The piece by Alessandro Becchina, created at the Comart workshops in Sambuca di Sicilia, was commissioned by Banca Sicana—now Sicilbanca, a true patron of the town—to celebrate the 50th anniversary of Gino Morici's passing. Morici was an eclectic Palermo artist: fresco painter, set designer, decorator, engraver, book illustrator, draftsman, and creator of automata and toys.
The extraordinary historical and artistic events of a small 19th-century artisanal jewel
In his extensive and diverse artistic career, Alessandro Becchina has also interpreted the fantastic character from Moorish memory by creating iron sculptures depicting him. These include the "Hidalgo with Candle and Staff," currently located in Caltanissetta, the imposing "Hidalgo, Trumpet Player"—originally in Sambuca but later moved to Sicilbanca in Catania—and the "Hidalgo Flautist," which stands before us.
Art: a family vocation united with an identity passion
Alessandro Becchina’s artistic journey is deeply influenced by his father, a Master of 20th-century Sicilian art, and by his interactions with numerous figures and artists connected to his father, such as Franco Grasso, Emilio Greco, Giuseppe Migneco, Leonardo Sciascia, Raffaellino De Grada, and many others. After earning a Diploma in Painting from the Academy of Fine Arts and a degree in Architecture, he received prestigious commissions from public and private entities for the design and supervision of museums, sports facilities, school buildings, restoration of historical artifacts, and urban planning in various cities. He has been involved in organizing artistic events, major exhibitions, and installations, including the Museum of Contemporary Art in Gibellina. His devoted commitment to preserving and promoting his father's art led to the establishment of the Gianbecchina Archive in collaboration with the institutions of Gangi and Sambuca di Sicilia. His works can be found in private collections, galleries, and museums.
