Hugo Zacchini (Florida/California, 1898-1975) 15 3/4" x 14 7/8" pastel portrait of a female wearing Egyptian headdress, signed, "Hugo Zacchini," and dated, "1927" lower left. Second is 21" x 15" pastel, full body nude of back of female. Signed, "Hugo Zacchini" lower right. 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. Provenance: From an estate in which was originally purchased for his collection directly from the artist.

Good condition.