Portrait of Anacleto Mariani

Anacleto Mariani (1873-1938), son of a trader from Varese who, with his brother expanded his businnes in construction, building homes in Milan, graduated in engineering, then practiced the profession after he died father and uncle, to devote himself mainly to the administration of conspicuous family goods. A keen mountaineer and a member of the CAI, he is also a member of his scientific commission. In his will he devotes a considerable part of his real estate to the Ospedale Maggiore, which commissions his portrait from Noël Quintavalle ("Noelqui"), who in this portrait, belonging to his mature production, adopts an unusual luministic choice, representing the benefactor against the light , leaning against the balustrade of a small terrace. The figure stands out clearly against the background of a sunny garden and the sky furrowed by luminous clouds, rendered by light touches that suggest a vague divisionist inspiration. The face in shadow is expressive and intense, illuminated by the whiteness of a mustache and beard.