Vittorio Reggianini was born in Modena, Italy and he did his training at the city’s Accademia di Belle Arti where he subsequently became a professor. The artist’s best works were genre subjects which depicted the life of elegant ladies and gentlemen of the late 18th century. He was a superb draughtsman and he had a particular talent for painting the sumptuous fabrics and furniture of that period. Reggianini’s subject matter always suggests a story, usually of a romantic nature, but the detail is left to the imagination of the viewer.

Reggianini’s subjects were taken from the European middle classes. He almost certainly created a special type of soubrette. Reggianini along with Soulacroix and Ricci dwelt lovingly on the richness of texture in the ladies’ dresses and in the upholstery and draperies. The eloquence of Reggianini’s pictures results from his dexterity in the rendering of these beautiful interior scenes. His figures enjoy equal status with each part of the painting, measure for measure in treatment and without favouritism.He was a very successful artist during and after his lifetime.

It is likely that the artist lived in Florence towards the end of the century as he exhibited there frequently. Florence was also home to a number of artists at this time who specialised in this genre, including Arturo Ricci (1854-1919) and Frederic Soulacroix (1858- 1933). Florence was a popular destination for wealthy art collectors from Europe and the United States.