Reading by the sea (1910), by Vittorio Matteo Corcos

Vittorio Matteo Corcos (1859–1933) was an Italian painter known for his portraits and genre scenes of everyday life. He was born in Livorno, Italy, and studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence. Corcos was influenced by the Macchiaioli movement, which emphasised the use of colour and light in painting. He became known for his depictions of elegant women in fashionable clothing, often set in luxurious interiors. His paintings also often featured musicians, dancers and other performers. Corcos exhibited his work extensively throughout Italy and Europe and received many honours during his lifetime. Today his paintings are held in collections around the world, including the Uffizi Gallery in Florence and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.