Casale Monferrato: 'Here Italy Is Made' at the Museo Civico Bistolfi — an exhibition on the image of

Casale Monferrato: Exhibition at Museo Civico and Gipsoteca Bistolfi

From March 28 to June 28 the Salone Vitoli of the Museo Civico and Gipsoteca Bistolfi presents an exhibition focused on the evolution of the image of the hero in Italian art between the 19th century and the early 20th century. The opening takes place on March 28 at 11:30.

The project is the result of a renewed partnership between the city administration, the Rotary Club of Casale Monferrato and the Fondazione De Ferrari, following on from a previous exhibition dedicated to Leonardo Bistolfi and divisionist artists.

Thematic overview and exhibition route

The exhibition examines how artists represented the hero across a historical arc from Italian unification to the aftermath of the First World War. It highlights the shift from celebratory, idealised portrayals to more somber figures tied to collective sacrifice, reflecting the social and cultural changes of the period.

Artists and works on display

Sculpture and painting are placed in dialogue to map different interpretations of heroism. Key names included are:

• Leonardo Bistolfi
• Eugenio Baroni
• Giuseppe Pellizza da Volpedo
• Gaetano Previati
• Plinio Nomellini
• Libero Andreotti
• Eliseo Sala

A central element of the show is the "Martelli-Bistolfi 2021/2023" donation, featuring drawings, bas-reliefs and plaster sculptures, some of them previously unpublished and restored for this presentation. Additional loans from museums, public institutions and private collectors provide a broad and nuanced perspective on the subject.

Catalogue and guided visits

A full-color catalogue of 175 pages, published by Fondazione De Ferrari ETS and including curator essays and reproductions of the works, will be available at the museum ticket office at a special price of 25 euros.

Guided in-depth visits are scheduled for Sunday 5 April, Saturday 11 April, Sunday 19 April and Saturday 25 April, all starting at 16:00. Participation requires purchase of the museum ticket plus a 4 euro supplement for the guided tour.

For opening hours, ticket prices and reservations, contact the Museo Civico and Gipsoteca Bistolfi ticket office.