Are you Franca? — In Palermo an exhibition reveals an unpublished portrait of Donna Franca and her s

Are you Franca? — Exhibition at Galleria Il Casino delle Muse

From 14 March to 8 May 2026, Galleria Il Casino delle Muse in Palermo presents an unpublished pastel attributed to Vittorio Matteo Corcos: a rare portrait showing Donna Franca Florio with her son, made accessible to the public for a limited time.

The work on show

Suggested title: Il Mattino (Portrait of Donna Franca Florio and Baby Boy). The piece is a pastel on canvas measuring approximately 91.5 x 122.5 cm, dated around 1901. It captures an intimate family scene and stands out as a significant discovery in early 20th-century portraiture.

Discovery and attribution

The painting was identified after close critical examination which highlighted technical traits consistent with Corcos's mature style, including skilled pastel handling and influences from late 19th-century Parisian painting. The attribution is supported by handwriting details and stylistic coherence.

Symbolism and interpretation

Notable is the presence of Lunaria, a plant traditionally associated with prosperity and sincerity; in the composition a sprig near the child's head can be interpreted as a hopeful gesture toward the heir. The proposed title evokes both the morning light that softens faces and lace and the dawn of a new century.

Visitor information

• Dates: 14/03/2026 – 08/05/2026
• Opening event: Saturday 14 March, 18:00 (welcome cocktail by the restaurant "Sostanza")
• Venue: Galleria Il Casino delle Muse, Via XII Gennaio 11, Palermo
• Hours: Tuesday–Friday 10:00–13:00 and 16:30–19:30; closed Monday, Saturday and public holidays
• Admission: free

This exhibition provides a unique chance to see up close a privately owned portrait of considerable art-historical interest; after the display period the work will return to its collection.