Giuseppe Pellizza da Volpedo was an Italian painter who was born in Volpedo, Italy, in 1868 and died in 1907.

Giuseppe Pellizza da Volpedo is best known for his major work entitled "Le Quarto Stato" (The Fourth State), painted in 1901. This emblematic painting depicts a group of workers marching together in unity and solidarity, symbolising the struggle for social justice and workers' rights at the beginning of the 20th century. The work became a symbol of the workers' movement and an important example of Italian social realism.

He studied at the Brera Academy of Fine Arts in Milan, where he developed his artistic skills. Giuseppe Pellizza da Volpedo was a follower of the divisionist movement, also known as pointillism or neo-impressionism. This technique involved the use of small touches or brushstrokes of pure colour that blended optically when viewed from a distance, creating vibrant, luminous effects. The Divisionist movement aimed to capture the interplay of light and colour in nature, and represented a break with traditional artistic practices.

In addition to "Le Quarto Stato", Giuseppe Pellizza da Volpedo created many other notable works, demonstrating his mastery of Divisionism. His paintings often dealt with social and political themes, reflecting the realities of life in Italy at the time.

The artist died at the age of 38, leaving behind a lasting artistic legacy and a significant contribution to the Divisionist movement and to the history of Italian art. His works continue to be celebrated and admired today for their powerful social message and impressive aesthetic.