Plinio Nomellini, born in Livorno in 1866, is portrayed as a pivotal figure in the transition from the realist painting of the Macchiaioli to a more modern symbolist style. Educated under Giovanni Fattori, Nomellini inherits a rigorous approach to observation but soon realizes that mere fidelity to reality isn't sufficient. He strives to penetrate the mysteries of light, transforming it into a medium for deeper thought and expression in his works.

In Nomellini's art, the brushstroke, referred to as 'macchia', transcends its traditional role, evolving into a dynamic force that breathes life into his canvases. His use of color goes beyond mere representation; it becomes a vehicle for conveying emotional depth. The light in his paintings serves multiple purposes — not just to describe but to judge and dissolve, effectively pushing the boundaries of the realist tradition toward greater symbolist interpretation.

Works like "Incipit Nova Aetas" (1924), housed in the Museo Civico “Giovanni Fattori” in Livorno, underscore the political and social contexts that influenced Nomellini's artistic language. This piece, among others, reflects how Nomellini's innovative vision not only marked a personal evolution in his art but also redefined the trajectory of Italian painting in the early 20th century, making him a key figure in the history of modern art.