Giampaolo Talani (1955–2018) was a versatile Italian painter and sculptor, born in San Vincenzo, Tuscany. Widely regarded as a leading figure in contemporary figurative art, Talani was renowned for his unique ability to elevate everyday themes into poetic icons.

His work is famously inhabited by travelers, sailors, and wind-swept umbrellas, symbolizing a humanity in constant motion and perpetual search. His most iconic achievements include the monumental fresco "Partenze" (Departures) in Florence’s Santa Maria Novella railway station and the "Rosa dei Venti" (Wind Rose) sculpture in Berlin. His artistic legacy, ranging from traditional frescoes to bronze sculptures, stands as a profound exploration of the bond between mankind, the sea, and the poignant mystery of waiting.