Background
He was born to a doctor, and studied in Catania under Giuseppe Gandolfi, a prominent portrait artist in Catania.
He was born to a doctor, and studied in Catania under Giuseppe Gandolfi, a prominent portrait artist in Catania.
At the Academy of San Luca, which he attended, he was awarded a number of prizes.
At the age of 19 years he travelled to Rome, where he worked under Natale Carta and Francesco Coghetti. He was able to travel to Paris frequently. He was caught up in the Roman uprising of 1848-1849 and aided in the defense of the brief Roman Republic.
During these battles, he acquired afflictions that troubled him the remainder of his life.
From 1853 to 1859, he went into exile to Florence. He returned to Rome and then Acireale in 1859.
He is known for his portraits including those of professor Tedeschi, poet Salvatore Vigo, of the Baron of Santa Margherita, professor Cantore Seminara, senator Vigo Fuccio, professor Della Noce, and the signora Tropea-Rossi. Among his religious and historic paintings, he depicted Pope Pius IX assists the dying King Ferdinand World War II A Santi Cosma e Damiano for the Basilica of San Sebastiano in Acireale.
A Santi Filippo e Giacomo for the church of the Matrice di Castiglione Siculo.
An Immaculate Conceception. A San Geraldo vescovo for the Acireale Cathedral.
Il Battista che sgrida ai farisei. The Glory of Street Sebastian for the church of the same name in Acireale.
Street Phillip Neri for the church of the Oratory of Street Phillip Neri in Acireale.
A Martyrdom of Street Sebastian for the Chiesa Matrice of Riposto. Other portraits include Baron Agostino Pennisi of Floristella. Honorable Giambartolo Romeo in the Palazzo di Acireale.
Poet Leonardo Vigo.
Portraits of the priest Giuseppe Ragonisi and Geremia family are found in the Pinacoteca dell’Accademia degli Zelanti and in the Gabinetto di lettura di Acireale.