The Beast of Turin

Bradley (Brad) Schmehl is an American historical artist from Pennsylvania, where he has resided all his life. He attended the Pennsylvania School of the Arts (now Pennsylvania College of Art and Design). From a young age felt compelled to draw and paint the things that he loved in the world around him. He strives to be a naturalist painter with a realistic style and a remarkable eye for detail. Bradley’s work always tends towards the historical, and he researches the subjects for his paintings through diaries, letters, books and visiting historical sites. His interests range from weaponry and machines, historic architecture, figures, and animals to nature. Schmehl never portrays figures as “types” but seeks to depict unique individuals with a broad palette of human emotions. He endeavours to draw the viewer into his art by means of dramatic composition, his portrayal of light and his use of naturalistic tones and colours. Schmehl’s work is featured in collections across America, including the Booth Western Art Museum, the Delaware State Museum, the Command General Staff College, the U.S. Army War College, as well as the Philadelphia Convention Center. "The Beast of Turin" was an Italian Fiat S76 (later also known as Fiat 300 HP Record) built in 1910. The automobile was specifically built to beat the land speed record held in those years by the “Blitzen Benz” (built by Benz & Cie in 1909 in Germany). Only two examples of the automobile were ever built and even though it reached considerable speeds it never officially broke the record by completing the run and achieving the speed within the time limit of one hour.