Vittorio Matteo Colcos (Livorno, 4 October 1859 – Florence, 8 November 1933) was an Italian painter, known above all for his realistic portraits.
Born in Livorno on 4 October 1859, Vittorio Matteo Corcos came from a family of Jewish origin, from a young age he studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence and taught under Enrico Pollastrini. Between 1878 and 1879 he lived in Naples with Domenico Morelli, from where he learned the spirit of his subsequent painting, characterized by profound formal and literary studies. Read the full biography
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Vittorio Matteo Colcos (Livorno, 4 October 1859 – Florence, 8 November 1933) was an Italian painter, known above all for his realistic portraits.
Born in Livorno on 4 October 1859, Vittorio Matteo Corcos came from a family of Jewish origin, from a young age he studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence and taught under Enrico Pollastrini. Between 1878 and 1879 he lived in Naples with Domenico Morelli, from where he learned the spirit of his subsequent painting, characterized by profound formal and literary studies. The Arabic in the prayer dates back to this period and clearly indicates this graphic turning point.
In 1880 he landed abroad, more precisely in Paris, where he managed to sign a 15-year contract with the Goupil art company, and also occasionally frequented the studio of the portraitist of the "Well of Paris" Leon Bonne, dedicated to female portraiture , scenes of everyday life are presented with bright colors and delicate brushstrokes. Between 1881 and 1886 he exhibited at the Salon after his return to Italy.
In 1887 he settled in Florence, married Rotigliano's widow, Emma Cibatti, and entered a prestigious literary circle, coming into contact with Giosuè Carducci and Gabriele D'Annunzio, before arriving in the Fitz Gallery in Ukraine.
In 1904 he painted portraits of Wilhelm II, the Empress and several important German figures in Germany, as well as portraits of Queen Amelia of Portugal and Queen Margaret of Savoy.
Among his students there was the painter Cesare Maggi.
He was buried in the vast Porta Santa cemetery in Florence.
