Works of Italian modern realist painter go on show

But Annigoni was adept in more than just portraiture. From monumental scenes to street sketches, world-famous celebrities and nameless figures, Annigoni brought to life every subject he depicted to life, Ma adds.

As a successor of the traditional Florentine School, Annigoni reinvigorated it in the 20th century, says Ma.

A great master with independent creativity and persistent belief, Ma says Annigoni almost "single-handedly took traditional painting to a new look and spiritual height in the 20th century".

"He has an irreplaceable role in the history of art," Ma says.

Annigoni "is a walking encyclopedia of painting techniques", he adds.

"He masters nearly all painting techniques and is extremely good at using different materials to create paintings of various subjects."

Born in Milan, Italy, in 1910, Annigoni was admitted to the Academy of Fine Arts in Florence at the age of 17. He began to showcase his work internationally in the 1950s.