John Califano (Rome, 1864 – Chicago, 1924)
Snowy Mountainous Landscape
Oil on canvas, 74 x 90 cm
With frame 90 x 107 cm
Signed lower right
The pleasant winter view under examination is signed in the lower right by the painter John Califano (1864 – 1924). Born in Rome in 1864, he moved to Naples where he was a pupil of Domenico Morelli (1823 – 1901). In 1880 he won the gold medal at the Milan exhibition. Having emigrated to the United States, he settled in Chicago, where he participated in the exhibitions of the National Academy and the Art Club of Philadelphia. He dedicated himself in particular to genre scenes and snowy landscapes.
In this scene, he depicts a flock with a shepherd and a dog. In addition to the beautiful definition of the mountainous landscape, the painter's hand, in the poses, in the expressions, in the vibrant strokes of light, manages to convey the idea of snow and cold, elements that distinguish the work as his painting.