MATANIA, Fortunino

Fortunino Matania (1881-1963) was one of the most accomplished realistic illustrators and artists of his time. Possibly best known for his illustrations during the First World War (1914-1918) when he worked for the Illustrated London News, the Sphere, and the British Government.

Born in Italy, he worked as an illustrator for news magazines worldwide, but settled in London. In 1914 he became an offical War Artist and visited the front-line several times, enabling him to view wartime conditions and battle fields first hand and to talk with soldiers about their experiences.

His works are rich in detail and carefully composed, his stirring paintings often depicted heroic actions or romantic scenes.