While a student in the Accedemia di Brera in Milan, Montegazza was heavily influenced by the director, Giuseppe Bertini, known for his pictorial frescos of the Middle Ages. The young artist completed several frescoes of his own and went on to illustrate a book written by an Italian playwright. As so many artists in this period, he was eager to explore the worlds beyond his familiar borders. An Arab Guard reveals his fascination with foreign lands and interest in the contemporary wars for liberation. Montegazza’s careful attention to detail is stunningly apparent in this small, but exquisite painting.
Giacomo Mantegazza (Italian, 1853-1920)