Milan, 1827 – 1890
Painter who studied at the Brera Academy. He participated actively in the struggle during the Italian Risorgimento and so was able to draw on a considerable body of graphic material, later used in his paintings, illustrating the heroic virtues of the newly founded State. His work also portrays situations in the private sphere, often showing the repercussions of historical events on everyday life; he focused on genre painting, like his brother Domenico, and portraits: indeed, it is in his portraits that he best exploits his gift as a refined colourist.