Vincent Mercaldo - Historian and Artist Take 2

Ironically, days after I posted about my Dad's great uncle Vincent Read about him here., one of my uncles near NYC connected with his grandson.  Tom has shared quite a few images and has shed some light on his life.
 Here is an excerpt of an email he wrote in 2006 to a museum which housed some of his collection:
  Despite creating some wonderful paintings, what my grandfather was really known for was his knowledge of history and his collection of original documents, letters images, posters and photos.   His paintings and documents were featured in many encyclopedia's, (1940 and 1950's era) and reference to his archives can be found in most historical works on William Cody that were written during this era.  Within the family we have dozens of autographed first edition books from writers that had used his materials in their publications.  Even today 40 years after his death, his collection will be featured in upcoming PBS specials including one on Annie Oakley this month and one on the Transcontinental railroad in June.  

This is an incredible painting of Custer's Last Stand.

 And a very unique portrait of Christ...

And another fascinating portrait - one of William Cody.

Apparently, he started out with watercolors (like the ones I own)  and as he matured as an artist, progressed to oils such as these.  I think its inspiring to learn about someone who has a passion for something and can go on to share these passions with future generations.

Vincent Mercaldo - Painter of the Old West

      My father inherited 3 watercolor paintings from his great uncle Vincent.  Vincent Mercaldo was an italian immigrant who was a professional artist in NYC.  My mother told me they were "cast-offs" and his best works were in museums.  I haven't found out all the details of his life yet, but from what I could gather online, he painted, photographed, but was important mostly because he gathered a great collection of photographs and paintings of the Old West. He owned photos of  Annie Oakley and Wild Bill Cody, among others.
     Here are some pieces of his collection  Vincent's Collection .
 
     Ever since I can remember, these paintings were hanging in my brothers' rooms.  Then I asked for them when I had my own kids.  My brother Luke had already been given the larger of the three (which I think is the only signed painting).

These are the two I own.  I think they were preliminary studies for his paintings.  The painting below is Luke's.  It was by a window during a storm and has suffered some water damage, which I am going to research to see what can be done.  I may just scan it and see if anyone with photoshop skills can help me get a clean digital copy.

It is really cool when you learn about someone in your family's past who has had similiar loves and interests.  The Mercaldo family has had its share of excellent musicians, even a few recordings, but there are less visual artists.  Plus, this inspires me to search out some western landscapes to photograph and paint when we move to Texas!