Charles Emmanuel I, Duke of Savoy
He was born to a wealthy family. His first studies were at the Accademia d'Arte di Pisa with Annibale Mariani (1840-1891), followed by the Accademia di Belle Arti di Firenze, under Antonio Ciseri and Enrico Pollastrini. He initially painted historical scenes. His depiction of Charles Emmanuel I, Duke of Savoy, dispatching the Spanish Ambassador (1868), was first exhibited in Florence, and awarded a prize at an exhibition in Pistoia.