"Ciceruacchio" oil on canvas 36 x 24 x 2 inches is a portrait of Angelo Brunetti, known as Ciceruacchio (b. Rome, September 1800 in Porto Tolle, died August 10, 1849) was an inkeeper and an Italian patriot who fought for the second Roman Republic. He fled with Giuseppe Garibaldi to reach Venice. The Austrians captured Angelo and his 14-year old son. Although Angelo pleaded for the life if his son, the Austrians first shot his son and then murdered Angelo, showing their contempt for Italian patriotism.

I want viewers to identify with this Italian hero and to reflect in the sacrifces made for Italian unification. Perhaps they can relate the Italian struggle for freedom and democrarcy with the American Revolution or the current movement against the Trump administration that is moving this country towards authoritarian fascism. The courage shown by this Italian patriot is what we need now as an example of resistance.

I chose oils because it is my favorite medium for portraiture and allows me to make statements in my chosen style "American verismo" that are strong, bold, and colorful.