The following was submitted by  Jim Kieley of Woodbury Connecticut:

Born in Milan, Italy in 1812, the details of Bignoli’s life including education and travel are somewhat obscure; however he was born and resided in an environment that encouraged participation in a mélange of artistic traditions and practices.  Throughout his life, he was noted for the production of finely detailed works in watercolor, tempera and gouache. Much of his oeuvre was focused on the portrayal of elegant figures posing in ideal settings.  His pictures are often thematically related, they typically feature eye-catchingingly costumed men woman and children.

Antonio  Bignoli's eclectic style was culled from various influences that were borrowed from various French masters such as Francis Boucher (1703-1770) and his gifted apprentice Jean Honore Fragonard (1732-1806).  A noted example is his fondness to copy well-known work is exemplified by a picture called (The Defense Line) after French painter Jean George Vibert (1840-1902)

Some compositions by Bignoli demonstrate originality, however many are simply a pastiche of famous works by eminent artists. The majority of his output sold through auction in England and The United States are well drawn colored and concisely rendered.  He remained active throughout his lifetime.  Bignoli died in 1886.