Serafino De Tivoli: The Father of Macchiaioli Serafino De Tivoli (March 1826 – 1892) stands as a pivotal figure in Italian landscape painting, recognized universally as “the father of the *macchia*.” Born in Livorno, Tuscany, his artistic journey began with a grounding in literature at a religious private school before gravitating towards painting under Carlo Markò the Elder, marking the genesis of his distinctive style. A formative encounter with Vito D’Ancona solidified his commitment to plein air painting—capturing the immediacy and vibrancy of nature—a practice that would define his oeuv…