Hugo Zacchini (Florida/California, 1898-1975) 17 7/8" x 15" tempera painting of clown wearing hat. Signed, "Hugo Zacchini," lower left. 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. He worked with many mediums including tempera, pastels, oils and charcoal. Zacchini is best known for his circus paintings, clowns, circus life, nocturnal scenes, and landscapes, was a brilliant colorist, and his works have a vibrant and controlled energy. Provenance: From an estate in which was originally purchased for his collection directly from the artist.

Slight loss of paper upper left corner; otherwise good condition.