Cagnaccio di San Pietro, born Natale Bentivoglio Scarpa on January 14, 1897, in Desenzano del Garda, Italy, was a prominent Italian painter associated with the Magical Realism movement. He later adopted the name Cagnaccio di San Pietro, inspired by the Venetian island of San Pietro in Volta where he spent much of his youth. His early life in Venice deeply influenced his artistic development. Initially self-taught, Cagnaccio di San Pietro's early works reflected the influence of the Venetian painting tradition and the precision of the Renaissance masters. He enrolled briefly at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Venice but largely remained independent from formal academic training, cultivating a unique style characterized by meticulous detail and a surreal clarity that would later become his signature. In the 1920s, Cagnaccio di San Pietro became affiliated with the Magical Realism movement, an art style that emerged in post-World War I Europe, which fused everyday reality with fantastical elements, creating a sense of mystery and strangeness. His works from this period are noted for their sharp realism, stark compositions, and the eerie, dreamlike quality that challenges the viewer's perception of reality. One of his most famous works, "After the Orgy" (1928), exemplifies his style with its precise detail and haunting atmosphere. His subjects often included allegorical themes, religious symbolism, and social commentary, portrayed with an almost photographic clarity that set his work apart from his contemporaries. Despite his significant contributions to modern Italian art, Cagnaccio di San Pietro maintained a relatively low profile throughout his career. He participated in several major exhibitions, including the Venice Biennale, where his works received critical acclaim. His paintings have since been recognized for their technical brilliance and unique visionary quality. Cagnaccio di San Pietro passed away on May 29, 1946, in Venice. His legacy endures through his distinctive body of work, which continues to captivate and intrigue art enthusiasts and scholars alike.