Italian Artist: Angelo Vacca

Young Italian Nobleman of Piedmont-Sardinia

Italian
circa 1815-1820
by Angelo Vacca (the younger, 1783-1823)

2 1/2 inches diameter (sight)

watercolor on ivory; housed in a gilt metal surround that
was likely originally set within a larger, more elaborate frame

formerly a holding of the Frederick Cochran Collection
(Boston securities broker Frederick Boardman Cochran -- 1860-1916)

About the Artist: Born in Turin in 1783, Angelo Vacca the younger was the son of Angelo Vacca the elder (1746-1814), also a painter. At an early age, he earned the attention of members of the House of Savoy, becoming miniature painter to the court of Piedmont (the Kingdom of Piedmont, also known as Piedmont-Sardinia or Savoy-Sardinia). He painted numerous members of court and other Italian aristocracy -- most notably, King Victor Emmanuel I of Sardinia (Vittorio Emanuele; 1759–1824) and King Charles Felix of Sardinia (Carlo Felice Giuseppe Maria; 1765-1831). He died in Turin in 1823, at the age of 40. Signed works by him rarely come to market (most being held in important family collections) and are considered rare and valuable. Listed by Benezit, Blättel (pages 906, 907), and Schidlof (page 838).

Other portraits in the Tormey-Holder Collection by Angelo Vacca
(click photo for larger view and additional information):

Young Italian Noblewoman of Piedmont-Sardinia