Enrico Rastelli Juggler. [Association. Italian, 1896-1931]. Artist Unknown. 1931. Oil on canvas. Unsigned. Inscribed verso name and death date, Errico Rastelli (image of cross) then date, 13. 12. 1931. 22 x 28". Frame. 27 x 33".

Rastelli was born on December 19, 1896, in Samara, Russia, into a circus family. Both of his parents were performers. He received rigorous training in a variety of circus disciplines including acrobatics, balancing and aerial skills. His career consisted of three distinct periods, the first being Japanese style ball-manipulation which was inspired by the juggler Takaschima. In the second period he wore a silk costume and worked with rubber balls. In his last period he changed his act again, and began juggling with leather soccer balls. In addition to his work with large balls, he also juggled up to ten small balls, which is generally considered the record. He died at the peak of his career in 1931, aged thirty-four, at his home in Bergamo, Italy. Several thousand mourners attended the funeral.

Some inpainting. Area on stretcher verso has a tear in one corner and another at upper center. These tears do not affect the front image. Good condition. This painting was restored by Baumgartner Fine Art Restoration.