Antonio Diego Voci

Antonio Diego Voci (VOH-chee), the youngest of 3 brothers was born Antonio Innocenzo Voci on 10 August 1920 in the mountainous region near Catanzaro, Italy, in the small village of Gasperina, to Giuseppantonio Voci and Arcangela Messina Voci, a Catholic family of modest means. From childhood Diego felt compelled to draw as constantly and effortlessly as he drew a breath, endowed by nature to do both. Diego was called on in school for art, design and decoration projects. By age 12 he was awarded a year scholarship to a design school. Diego studied sculpture and painting for three years at Lycee d'Art, followed by studies of Greek and Latin, as well as tailoring. Diego sold his first painting at age 18. Upon venturing out on his own Diego summoned his practical side to employ his art talent to works of art he knew the public would quickly buy, to raise money or trade for food, bed, paint and canvas, and to finance his study, to expand knowledge, experience and skill. Also to enjoy pleasures in life, and sports. (Diego was a competitive cyclist in high school.) His time to create his own masterworks would come later. ==1939–1948: school and WWII==

Art schools and World War II military service in the Italian Army would consume Diego's life through 1948. At 19 Diego enrolled at the Florence Academy of Arts in San Marco Piazza. At 20 his art studies were interrupted by World War II. Diego enjoyed those privileges until the end of the war. or the tortured life of Vincent van Gogh who died at age 37, with only one painting purchased in his lifetime. Diego greatly admired the exceptional work of both artists, but, unlike both artists who found few buyers for their work, in their lifetime, Diego did for his. Diego's influences Professor Felice Carena (1879–1966), who was one of Italy's great religious artists displayed in Museum of Modern Religious Art in Rome, was a mentor for Diego. Diego in his youth also worked as an assistant to Antonino Calcagnadoro (1876–1935), who was known for his church frescos. Diego admired Renoir, Cézanne, Degas, Modigliani and Van Gogh. There was a reluctance in Diego to pinpoint his early inspiration. When asked in 1973 Diego said, "Michelangelo is the greatest. There are so many. Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Rembrandt. And Miró, Chagall, Picasso. So many." ==1949–1959 the painter explorer==

Venice The powerful urge was deep in Diego's DNA to explore the world and its people to capture in art all that it offered. During Diego's extensive travels he said "I was always painting, always learning ...to fill a need to express." 1949 Diego established his home base in Venice, where he would paint, travel and return. That need to explore the world took Diego to Spain, Portugal, North Africa, Turkey, England and Scandinavia. Canadian Art Dealer, Joy Gibson Naffouj wrote, "Diego displayed his work often...displaying his work in Torino, Capri and Venice. His first one man show was at the Galleria La Bussula in Torino." In 1951 the city of Venice sponsored a competition, a showcase for Italian artists. Carlo Carrà (1881–1966) noted figure of the Futurist movement and arguably the most important Italian artist at the time, won first prize. Diego won second prize. Also, in 1951 Diego had a one-man show in Switzerland and painted for galleries who represented master artists including Rembrandt, Renoir, and Monet. Diego was commissioned to do frescos, sculptures, relief sculptures and canvases by private collections, Italian restaurants, and galleries throughout Europe. After his one-man show in Lugano in 1953, Diego travelled continuously stopping to show in Milan, Rome and Genoa. First marriage Also in 1953, Diego met 16-year-old Josiane Schäfer, a ski instructor and daughter of a well-to-do Swiss family, who at 18 would become Mrs. Voci. The Schäfer family owned a mountain cabin for skiing. Diego travels with nephew In 1956, Diego moved to Wiesbaden, Germany with his first wife Josiane. Diego's American nephew, Anthony (Tony) Voci, son of Vincenzo, was stationed at Wurzburg U.S. Army Base as a Tank Commander. Tony was impressed that Diego knew the Base Commander and obtained leave time for him. Diego showed Tony the portraits of Officers he was commissioned to do, but said, "That is not art!" Anthony spent much of his free time touring Germany, Switzerland and Northern Italy with Diego. Tony said, "Anytime there was an espresso sign we stopped. Everybody knew Diego. He would sketch the waitress on a napkin and hand it to her. Diego would paint or sketch nearly every waking minute while traveling together." It is notable that Anthony Voci is the only known person identified to date that is in possession of any art work by Diego from childhood to 1957. Tony recalls on their travels together through Europe, he said "I'm hungry". Diego stopped and said "You are hungry? I paint you something to eat.", and minutes later gave Tony a memento of his time when his uncle played a joke on him. Tony, at 93, is living in Philadelphia where this gift from Diego is displayed. Another day, Diego swiftly completed a gouache of a Paris "Café Scene" as a second gift to his nephew, also dated 1957, and signed "D. Voci", which Tony since gave to his son, Chris Voci. View serious works by Diego in Gallery Section. ==1960–1985 life with Helga Drössler Voci==

Paris The 25 years of Diego Voci with Helga Drössler Voci (born in Prague in 1939) were by every standard his best contributing years to the world of art. The following paragraph is excerpted from "HELGA and DIEGO" Chapter Two Diego Voci and caricatures Diego was popular in the World War II POW Camp doing caricatures and portraits Diego said he never copies. He creates from his vast library of mental images collected from international travels and mingling with everyday people. February 1962, their next stop was Morocco and while there Diego received a commission in Marrakesh at the American Officer's Club. Schlossgalerie provided Diego a studio. He signed his works "A. Voci" Helga Voci said, "The owner [R. Buri] sold quite many paintings." (later renamed 526th Tactical Fighter Sq.) and flown from Aviano Air Force Base to Wiesbaden. The President left Wiesbaden the next morning for Berlin for his famous "Ich bin ein Berliner"speech. Return to Italy Diego longed to leave Switzerland to return to the warmer southern country where he felt more at ease and more inspired to paint. this is the only evidence of the name Diego in a document signature from birth until 1976 when he registered in Taunusstein. In 1972, Schwetzingen, Germany became their home. There Diego and Helga had a daughter, Alessandra, cared for by a nanny from India who stayed with them until 1985. The Voci's, who had no knowledge of credit cards, bought a used station-wagon with cash on the east coast to travel cross country. a writer for Stars & Stripes newspaper through Diego collector Coop Cooprider, a published article in AFN TV guide, Although Coop's volunteer working relationship ended in mid-1974, he and wife Patti continued to add to their Diego collection and kept in contact for several years later. The resting place for Diego Voci is in Neuhof, Germany. On Helga's periodic visits she shares her thoughts with both Diego and her mother beside him. ==Rediscovering lost art of Antonio Diego Voci==

The mystery is what happened to all of Diego's early artwork? With his vagabond nature, Diego was notoriously a poor record keeper. Puzzled, an owner of 5 Diego pieces, Mary Trimmins in 2008 posted a simple question on ArtifactCollectors.com, "Are there any Diego painting owners out there?" Just as Diego travelled the world, so too did his art. "Horses Racing" went to auction in Paris where it was purchased by an antique dealer from Basel. It was then purchased by a Czech born grand-dame as a wedding gift to her new son-in-law, who came from a family of race horse breeders in India. When contacted about his Diego in London where he resides, the son-in-law declared, "You call it a Diego, I consider it a Voci". And it is signed "A. Voci". Schlossgalerie advertised the artist under the name "Antonio Voci" (No "Diego"). Also signed "A. Voci" is another significant Diego piece "Alt und Jung" pictured in the Schlossgalerie advertisement of the Neue Zürcher Zeitung 20 January 1965. This painting also travelled, purchased in Zurich and ending in US, 43 years later. A colour image of Diego's "Alt und Jung" painting can also be seen in a 2008 rare internet recorded sale on LiveAuctioneers.com. Kodner Auctions mis-titled the painting "Horses Grazing". In the absence of information about the artist, the painting was sold for a fraction of its original selling price. Later, a Diego collector offered to triple the price (or more), but requests to Kodner to reveal the present whereabouts were rejected. ==Innocenzo v. Diego==

"Diego" as he wanted the world to know him, rejected his birth middle name "Innocenzo". Being the youngest of three boys by fifteen years, that sweet little newborn was the picture of innocence (Italian: innocenza). Diego wanted to be seen as anything but innocent. The family pet childhood name "Toto" was enough to bear. "Diego told me he never liked his middle name," said Helga Drössler Voci, wife. "Innocenzo" is conspicuous by its official document absence in Diego's life. Innocenzo was discovered only on his birth certificate. After that it is "Antonio Voci" until 1976 when "Diego" is slipped into a government document. File:DIEGO Birth Cert.jpg|The 10 August 1920 Gasperina Birth Certificate middle name "Innocenzo": (No Diego) File:DIEGO Paris residency.jpg|August 1960 Paris proof of residence, no "Innocenzo" File:DIEGO Taunisstein.jpg|In 1976, the metamorphous of Diego for his middle name was completed by Diego on at least one official document when he registered residence in Taunusstein (by Wiesbaden) at the time he and Helga purchased their first and last home and studio. The name is "Antonio Diego Voci", finally official recognition of Diego on a government document File:DIEGO 1983 Passport.jpg|Various passports were always "Antonio Voci" with matching signature, . However he did slip a "D" into his written signature in the 1983 passport. ==Gallery==

Works File:DIEGO painting 1.jpeg |Death in Battle (ca. 1965), 47.5 x 36.2 in, Private Collection - Notable File:DIEGO painting 2.jpg |Poor People (ca.1968), 39.5 x 47.5 in, Private Collection - Notable File:DIEGO painting 3.jpg |La Violenza (1973), 35.3 x 41.5 in, Private Collection - Notable File:DIEGO painting 4.jpg |The Fishermans Miraculous Catch (1974), 35.5 x 51 in, Private Collection - Notable File:DIEGO painting 5.jpg |Hommes sur La Plage (The Bathers) (1974), 35.5 x 51in, Private Collection - Notable Faces File:DIEGO painting 6.jpg |The Clown (ca.1973), est. 24 x 20 in, Stolen in Germany File:DIEGO painting 7.jpg |Anguish (1967), 31 x 23in, Private Collection File:DIEGO painting 8.jpg |The Friends (ca. 1966), 23.6 x 47.2in, Private Collection - Notable File:DIEGO painting 9.jpg |Der Kunstler und Sein Model (Self-Portrait), 32 x 24in, Private Collection JT File:DIEGO painting 10.jpg |Three Philosophers (ca.1982), 30 x 23in, Private Collection Surrealism File:DIEGO painting 11.jpg |The Red Hand (1974), 31.5 x 39.5in, Private Collection-Notable File:DIEGO painting 12.jpg |Remains of Civilization (ca.1967), 23.7 x 31.7in, Private Collection - Notable File:DIEGO painting 13.jpg |Valiant Stallion (1967), 23.5 x 35in, Private Collection - Notable File:DIEGO painting 14.jpg |Les Animaux (ca.1971), 24.2 x 31.5in, Private Collection - Notable File:DIEGO painting 15.jpg |Promenade (ca.1975), 19.75 x 15.75in, Private Collection - Notable Cubism File:DIEGO painting 16.jpg |Le Concert de Harliquin (1972), 23.75 x 32in, Private Collection - Notable File:DIEGO painting 17.jpg |Cubism (ca.1978), 32 x 24in, Private Collection MH File:DIEGO painting 18.jpg |The Mandoline (1974), 29.5 x 41.5in, Private Collection - Notable File:DIEGO painting 20.jpg |Composition Nude (ca.1971), 31 x 16in, Private Collection - BS File:DIEGO new Gallery.jpg |Nude (1971), 23.5 x 31.75in, Private Collection Clowns, Harlequins, and Musicians File:DIEGO painting 21.jpg |Ernesto the Clown (ca.1975), 27.5 x 31.5in, Private Collection - Notable File:DEIGO painting 22.jpg |Circus People (ca.1976), 23.3 x 28.2in, Private Collection - Notable File:DIEGO painting 23.jpg |Der Narr mit Margerite Clown (ca.1972), 31.5 x 23.5in, Private Collection File:DIEGO painting 24.jpg |Jeune homme musicien, 31 x 23in, Private Collection LBD File:DIEGO painting 25.jpg |Guignol en Chapeau rouge (ca.1972), 23.5 x 31.5in, Private Collection - Notable Landscapes File:DIEGO painting 26.jpg |Landscape (ca.1968), Oil on Canvas, 24 x 30in, Private Collection RT File:DEIGO painting 27.jpg |Paesaggio Landscape (ca.1968), 16 x 19.7in, Private Collection File:DIEGO painting 28.jpg |Ocean Scene (ca.1968), Oil on Canvas, 24 x 30in, Private Collection RT File:DIEGO painting 29.jpg |Tuscan Landscape, Oil on Canvas,18 x 24in, Private Collection CV File:DIEGO painting 30.jpg |Marina (ca.1968), Oil on Canvas 24 x 30in, Private Collection RT Horses/Boats File:DIEGO painting 32.jpg |Cavaliere (1970), 19.5 x 28.5in, Private Collection - Notable File:DIEGO painting 33.jpg |Horse (Charcoal), 35.5 x 27.5in, Private Collection - Notable File:Drawing man with horse.jpg|"Man and Horse" Ink and Watercolor 30" x 22 ½", Private Collection File:DIEGO painting 34.jpg |Schiff (tempera), 27.5 x 19.6in, Private Collection JR File:DIEGO painting 35.jpg |Boote am Strand, Oil on Canvas, Private Collection DA Signatures File:DIEGO Signature 1.jpg|Pre–1957: There is no physical evidence discovered yet for signatures nor any art works of any kind from childhood until those gift drawings in the possession of Anthony Voci, Diego's nephew (noted above) which were signed "D. Voci 1957" File:DIEGO Signature 2.jpg|1962–1965: Schlossgalerie works signed "A.Voci", advertised as "Antonio Voci" (no Diego). File:DVociSignature (640x427).jpg|1962–1965: Works submitted to other than Schossgalerie, such as Globart in Milan, Officer's Club Aviano Air Base, etc. mostly "D. Voci". File:DIEGO Signature 4.jpg|1965–1985: Naffouj Galerie, Landstuhl, Germany made a 5-year agreement under which the "Diego" signature came into prominence on his art. He was advertised as "Antonio Diego", dropping the Voci name. After the Naffouj agreements expired, the "Diego" signature continued to adorn the majority of works for the remaining 15 years of Diego's life. File:DIEGO Signature 5.jpg|1965–1985: Works that were sold outside of the Naffouj and Dahms agreements were mostly signed some form of Voci: "A. Voci", "D. Voci", and "Diego Voci". ==References==