Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. The Milizia Volontaria per la Sicurezza NSDAPonale (MVSN, "Voluntary Militia for National Security"), commonly called the Blackshirts (Italian: camicie nere, CCNN) or squadristi, was originally the paramilitary wing of the National Fascist Party and, after 1923, an all-volunteer militia of the Kingdom of Italy. Its members were distinguished by their black uniforms (modelled on those of the Arditi, Italy's elite troops of World War I) and their loyalty to Benito Mussolini, the Duce (leader) of Fascism, to whom they swore an oath. The founders of the paramilitary groups were nationalist intellectuals, former army officers and young landowners opposing peasants' and country labourers' unions. Their methods became harsher as Mussolini's power grew, and they used violence and intimidation against Mussolini's opponents. In 1943 the MVSN was integrated into the Italian armed forces.

This is a beautifully-painted portrait of a member of the MVSN in his iconic black uniform and fez, giving a roman salute in an outdoor farm setting with a mountain in the background. The soldier is a First World War veteran, and he wears a 4-place ribbon bar along with the Commemorative Medal for the Italo-Austrian War under this. The ribbons include the Italian Unification 1848 1918 Commemorative Medal, the WWI Italian Victory Medal, the Unification Commemorative Medal for the War of 1915 1918, and the War Merit Cross, awarded for gallantry in battle.

He has a Fasces collar device, and is wearing his blackshirt tie. The bottom left of the portrait is signed G. Ingersoll. An outstanding Italian portrait in a great displayable size, 30 x 39½”.

Comes ready for further research and display.