Leisure Hours

Ulisse Caputo, born on November 4, 1872, in Salerno, Italy, was a distinguished Italian painter whose artistic journey was deeply influenced by his father, Ermenegildo, a theater scenographer and decorator. This early exposure to the arts led Caputo to pursue formal training at the Institute of Fine Arts in Naples, where he studied under the tutelage of Stanislao Lista in drawing and Domenico Morelli in painting, alongside frequenting the studio of fellow Salerno artist Gaetano Esposito. Despite initial setbacks, including the lack of appreciation for his works at the 1897 Third Triennial Exhibition in Milan and the 'Salvator Rosa' exhibition in Naples, Caputo's resolve only strengthened. His move to Paris marked a turning point in his career, where he gained significant recognition and his works were celebrated in major exhibitions of the time. Caputo's talents were further acknowledged through official commissions, notably a 1914 mission to Morocco on behalf of the French government. He remained in Paris until his death on October 13, 1948, leaving behind a legacy that bridged Italian artistic traditions with the vibrant cultural milieu of early 20th-century Paris.