Antonio Mancini

The Saltimbanco: 1877-78

NYTimes:

Away from the easel Mancini was a shy, unworldly man and such an easy mark for cadging friends, models and family members that the money he earned evaporated. He often painted over finished works when art materials were scarce. When they ran out, he would draw, paint or write on the walls. In 1880-81, the pressure to succeed led to a nervous breakdown and four months in a mental hospital in Naples.

Until around 1910, he was frequently destitute. A representative of one of his patrons visiting him in Rome in the winter of 1893 was appalled to find him in a cold, nearly empty studio wearing a buttonless flannel shirt, six pairs of pants held up with rope, several vests and a greasy overcoat.