Stanislao Lepri was born in Rome in 1905 into a conservative aristocratic family and began his career in diplomacy, serving as Italian consul in Monaco and Belgium. His life took a new direction after meeting artist Leonor Fini, who inspired him to pursue painting. In 1946, he moved to Paris with Fini and writer Constantin Jelenski, leaving diplomacy behind to fully commit to art at the age of 37.
Influenced by Surrealism and the world of theater, Lepri developed a metaphysical and fantastical artistic style, blending dreamlike visions with macabre and spiritual elements. His work reflects both his inner world and the tension between his noble origins and bohemian artist life. He also collaborated on theatrical scenography and costume design, contributing to productions like L'Armida and Voyage aux états de la lune.
Lepri exhibited internationally and worked with major art figures such as Alexander Iolas. He passed away in Paris in 1980. Today, his works are held in major museum collections including MoMA, the Musée d’Art Moderne de Paris, and the National Gallery of Modern Art in Rome.
