Focus on The Fourth Estate (painting) and discuss the Models.
Many characters depicted in the painting are modeled after friends of the artist, socialist activists, and natives of Volpedo. The woman in the forefront holding a baby is based on Teresa Bidone, the artist's wife:: Giovanni Zarri,: 56  called Gioanon, born on December 3, 1854, in Volpedo to Angiola Regiza. He began his carpentry business at a young age. He married Luigina Belloni, with whom he had eight children, and they moved to via Ferzina 13 in Volpedo, where he lived until his death on October 30, 1910. This figure was also partly modeled on Giovanni Gatti, the pharmacist in Volpedo, whom Pellizza enjoyed discussing socialism with.
: Teresa Bidone,: 56  daughter of Antonio and Tranquilla Mandirola, born in Volpedo in 1875. In 1892, she married Pellizza, and they had three children: Maria, Nerina, and Pietro. She died in 1907, immediately after giving birth to their third child.
: Giacomo Bidone,: 56  later known as Giacomo Maria Clemente Silvestro, born in Volpedo on October 16, 1884. He remained there, working as a carpenter and remaining a widower after the death of his wife Lucotti, until 1891, when he moved to Viguzzolo. From there, he emigrated to America, following the footsteps of his uncle.
: Luigi Dolcini, born in Volpedo on February 23, 1881 to Siro Emanuele Zaccaria and Giuseppina Giani.
, : Giuseppe Tedesi, born July 18, 1883 in Volpedo. Creator of a historic family of tableware, he lived in the town of Brignano-Frascata together with his wife Rosalia Giani. He died in 1968.
: Lorenzo Roveretti, son of Giovanni and Bidone Teresa di Filippo, born in Volpedo on January 17, 1874.
: Costantino Gatti, born in Volpedo on the October 1, 1849 to Carlo and Rosa Torlasco. A known local basketmaker, he married Guiditta Bernini in 1878. He lived with her until his death on December 9, 1925.
: Maria Albina Bidone, younger sister of Teresa Bidone and born in Volpedo in 1879. She died of consumption in 1907. Her husband Giovanni Ferrari (), overwhelmed by sadness, committed suicide in 1932.
Viguzzolo America Volpedo Brignano-Frascata