Antonio Cirino

1888 -1983

Antonio Cirino's colorful and confident personality often distracted the Rhode Island art community. Many took for granted his remarkable talent even though this familiar local legend earned a national reputation. Since his death in 1983, scholars and collectors have gravitated toward his paintings, comparing him to his Rockport colleague, Emile Gruppe.

An immigrant from Italy at the age of two, Cirino integrated readily into the Rhode Island community. He graduated from Rhode Island School of Design and Columbia University. Although diminutive in size, he had an imposing personality and was a very successful artist. His fluid painting technique showed a keen understanding of composition and skillful craftsmanship in manipulating oil pigments, especially in the fluttering and lively effects of light reflecting off water.

A keen student of nature, Cirino painted outdoors for his entire artistic career. He was a kindred spirit to the Impressionists and focused on his own personal interpretation of nature. He enjoyed exhibits at the National Academy of Design, Dayton Ohio Art Institute, Providence Art Club along with many other prestigious institutions. Today his work continues to meet with much critical acclaim and is in the collections of the Providence Art Club, Rockport Art Association, and the Salmagundi Club.