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| Michele Gordigiani (1830–1909) | ||||||||||
| Born in Florence, Gordigiani was a painter of historical, mythological, and genre scenes, as well as a draughtsman. He became the leading portrait painter during Italy's Risorgimento period. Initially studying sculpture under Lorenzo Bartolini, he later shifted to painting, briefly studying under Luigi Mussini at his Florence school around 1845, before continuing his education at the Accademia di Belle Arti under G. Bezzuoli. Primarily self-taught through copying works in galleries, he soon developed a talent for portraiture, dedicating most of his career to this genre, which quickly brought him recognition. In 1861, he was commissioned to paint his first portrait of Vittorio Emanuele II, and until 1895, he painted portraits of all members of the royal family, becoming the official portraitist of the House of Savoy. Gordigiani also painted portraits for courts, nobility, and the wealthy bourgeoisie in other countries. Most of his works were driven by the tastes and preferences of his clients, reflecting the style of the commission. His personal touch can be seen in the few portraits and smaller works he painted for himself, which feature delicate, understated elegance. In addition to portraits, Gordigiani painted a small number of landscapes and history scenes. He died in Florence. | ||||||||||
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Art