Adelio Zagni Zeelie

Biography

Adelio Zagni Zeelie was an Italian-born South African painter known for his skilled mural and landscape work. He studied fine art at Milan's Brera Academy, learning mural painting and restoration techniques. After World War II his family helped restore Milan's La Scala Opera House, and Zeelie later emigrated to South Africa. In South Africa he applied his training to furniture and antique restoration and created vibrant oil canvases. He painted many coastal and harbor scenes, including Durban fishing boats and Cape town streets, often signed “A.Z. Zeelie”. Zeelie's realistic style and knowledge of classical techniques made him respected in South African art circles.