CORCOS, VITTORIO MATTEO (1859-1933)

*PRICE ON APPLICATION*
 
“The Countess” (1919)
Oil on canvas
81 x 71cm
Signed middle right
*private collection, Melbourne
 
Corcos is widely considered as Italy's Greatest and most revered 19th century Society Portraitist. In the time of the Belle Epoque era, his genre works were considered the most accurate and representative works of the leisure and repose of the bourgeoisie, high society and even Royalty. His works are still admired and collected today, with one of his masterpieces "Alla Fontana" (1896) recently selling at auction in New York City for $1AUmill! Corcos studied drawing and painting at the Academia di Belle Arti in Florence under Enrico Pollastrini. At 19, Corcos left Florence for Naples and continued his studies with Domenico Morelli, whose work he greatly admired. He supplemented his income as a portrait painter by illustrating magazines, posters, and book covers. In 1880, the artist established himself in the Parisian art scene, falling into the circles of Léon Bonnat and Giovanni Boldini. Corcos went on to exhibit his works at the Paris Salons of 1881, 1882, and 1885. Returning to Italy in 1886, he became highly sought after portrait painter for Florentine aristocracy. He died on November 8, 1933 in Florence, Italy. Today, his works are held in the collections of the Uffizi in Florence and the Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna in Rome. He has been the subject of several major retrospectives at world famous Institutions!!