I am asking on behalf of the widow of an old friend, now deceased, who once pointed at the painting and said to me that the artist was in the MOMA collection. That was in the late 70s or early 80s. I have tried repeated searches on the internet. The subject matter is evocative of Nino Caffe, i.e. student priests at play, but the signature and brushwork seem not. And the ninos are numerous.

Any help would be appreciated.

Here's a link to two Ninos, but I'm really not so convinced they're connected. Although the paintings are quite different, it could be that you have a better chance with the second one (though unlikely; I can't read the signature from here on the link, but the inclusion of the C there doesn't rule it out).
AskART - Art Prices, Art Appraisals, Art Value, Auction Prices (http://www.askart.com/AskART/search/Search.aspx?SearchType=Artist&LastName=nino&FirstName=&Action=SubmitArtistButton)

If I were you, I would contact the MOMA. They have excellent records.

Hello and thanks for your response..
I had done some research that suggested Carmelo as possibly too young (born 1951).. I have information from my friend's widow that the painting existed (probably) in the late fifties or sixties. The closest resemblance to the signature that I could find were the "N" letters in a Giovanni Caffe signature. But the broad brushwork suggested di Salvatore to me... I wll follow your suggestion to contact the MOMA...

Great. I'm very glad you reposted. I always appreciate updates. Promise to let me know what information turns up! I really like this work.

I have painting with the same signature, if you find out please post it so i know who it is. I would appreciated.

I am the original poster of this thread and want to provide an update...

After searching many samples I found the name of Nino Caffe written fully. All the paintings I searched were signed - N. Caffe. The target is "NINO' A retrospective on Caffe in Italy showed his full signature on the title screen of the introductory video. The "N" and slant are a match. So this is pretty much the end of story...