Hugo Zacchini (Florida/California, 1898-1975) sight 14" x 10 1/4" oil on paper of a nude female. Signed, "Hugo Zacchini," lower left. This painting is pictured with the artist in the book The Great Zacchinis - A History in Pictures by Pat Ringling Buck, who is the grandniece of John Ringling of Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey Circus. Hugo was the first "Human Cannonball." When he was nine years old, he went to Italy and studied at the Rome Art Academy, where he had the privilege to study under Francesco Michetti. He lived for a time in France, where he became a friend of Picasso, Dali and the elder Monet. His father, Ildebrando Zacchini, invented the compressed air cannon used to propel humans in circus acts. Hugo returned to Peru and joined the circus to help his family, becomming a human cannonball. He joined Ringling Brothers, Barnum and Bailey circus where he became "Cannon Man" for the next ten years. Zacchini is best known for his circus paintings, clowns, circus life, nocturnal scenes, and landscapes, was a brilliant colorist. Provenance: From an estate in which was originally purchased for his collection directly from the artist.

Good condition.