Artist Vincent Fantauzzo is one of our most acclaimed portraitists. He has painted the prime minister, exhibited globally, won numerous awards and has a Brisbane hotel named in his honour. Oh, and he’s married to actor Asher Keddie.
He’s also the proud owner of Sandro, a “Staffordshire Terrier type” who has just cost his dog daddy more than $7000 in fines, compensation and court costs after an early-morning walk descended into a dog-eat-dog melee.
Asher Keddie and Vincent Fantauzzo.
Fantauzzo was found guilty in the Magistrates’ Court of Victoria of being liable for a dog attack causing serious injury and contravening an order to control a dog.
Events spiralled out of control at 6.40am on December 8, 2022, when Sandro, accompanied by Fantauzzo, encountered fellow dog Banjo while out on a walk near the corner of Inkerman Street and St Kilda Road in St Kilda.
The court heard Sandro “bit the leg of the other dog but did not hold on to it”, causing lacerations to Banjo’s leg.
Fantauzzo, who defended himself at an earlier court hearing after contesting the charges, was fined $1000 without conviction but also ordered to pay $2001.93 compensation to Banjo’s owner and court costs of $4206 – a total of more than $7200.
Magistrate Mark Stratmann dismissed two further charges and asked the famous artist if he was financially OK to pay the money.
“Self-employed, I am an artist, I have an exhibition or two each year. My next exhibition is in November,” Fantauzzo told the court.
“I never really know what my financial condition will be until I have my exhibition.”
Fantauzzo told the court he didn’t have a mortgage and was paying $1800 a week in rent. Other outgoings included private school tuition for his two children, a nanny and his artist’s studio rent.
Vincent Fantauzzo’s dog Sandro.
Stratmann then asked if Fantauzzo was supported by a partner, giving no signs that he was aware the artist is married to one of Australia’s most famous thespians.
“My wife also works, she is an actress. So her work’s kind of similar to mine, you know, job by job,” Fantauzzo replied.
“Each year is very different. So one year I could do well.
“This year I haven’t sold any paintings yet.”
Stratmann granted 60 days for Fantauzzo to pay the money.
A lawyer for Port Phillip Council said that the artist came to court with “clean hands”, but it was important to send a message of general deterrence to the community.
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