Mario Puccini: The Italian Van Gogh – A Landscape Painter’s Turbulent Genius Mario Puccini (1869-1920) stands as a singular figure in Italian Post-Impressionism, often dubbed “The Italian Van Gogh” due to his distinctive style and the profound impact of mental illness on his artistic output. Born in Livorno, Tuscany, he emerged from humble beginnings – his father was a baker – yet possessed an innate talent that defied societal expectations and propelled him toward a remarkable creative journey. His early life was marked by sketching as a hobby, nurtured by Giovanni Fattori, who recognized P…