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Francesco Spicuzza, Italian-American, 1883-1962. Wisconsin. Landscape, genre, and still-life paintings. Similar artists: William Samuel Horton, Abraham Walkowitz, William James Glackens, Jane Peterson, J. Alden Weir, and Bruce Crane. Influenced by: Edward H. Potthast, Maurice Prendergast, John F. Carlson. “Untitled (Winter Scene)” is signed lower right: Spicuzza. Spicuzza studied drawing and anatomy with Robert Schade and Alexander Mueller. He won the bronze and silver medals from the St. Paul Institute in 1913 and 1914, and the gold medal from the Milwaukee Art Institute. Spicuzza is known for his depictions of Milwaukee beach scenes of figures in multi-colored attire. Many of his works spotlight the energy and inhibition of child’s play in an American Impressionist style. He often applied pigment in rich hues blended with subtle colors, applied in impasto to reflect the brightness of summer hair. Spicuzza would also tilt the picture plane to cast the viewer slightly above the scene. In 1917 International Studio described his work as capturing a genuine out-of-door feeling, which the artist was able to render through keen observation while painting en plein air. Although the urban subject of this painting contrasts his typical beach scenes, it retains the presence of figures cast in an American Impressionist style and a strong use of white paint. The figures work to clear the snow enveloping a home. Trees near the center stand tall and reflect the hues utilized to compose the building. The air swirls with whites, blues, and hints of peach.