Angiolo Tommasi Biography
Angiolo Tommasi was born in Livorno on 27 August 1858. He began his education in his hometown under the guidance of Silvestro Lega, one of the exponents of the Macchiaioli group. During this period, Lega's influence on his style was strong: he used to paint live subjects with quick, loose brushstrokes. In 1886 he participated in the first Fine Arts exhibition in Livorno and in 1889 at the Universal Exhibition in Paris, where he received a bronze medal. The countryside, the workers who live there and the humble, in general, were Tommasi's favorite themes, accompanied by social reflections. In the creation of his canvases, Tommasi paid close attention to light and atmospheric effects, using meticulous touches of color to highlight the details. He painted numerous portraits, both of commoners and wealthy people. In 1899 he decided to leave for Argentina. Upon his return in 1903, he settled in Torre del Lago (Lucca), where he inaugurated another happy artistic season, influenced by the circle of artists around Giacomo Puccini. Angiolo Tommasi died in Torre del Lago on 15 October 1923.