100 Years Since His Passing: Emilio Malerba Retrospective at Fondazione

100 Years Since His Passing: Emilio Malerba Retrospective at Fondazione Ragghianti, Lucca

To mark the centenary of painter Emilio Malerba (1878–1926), Fondazione Ragghianti in Lucca stages a focused retrospective mapping his artistic development from early works to his late-period paintings of the 1920s.

Curated by Paolo Bolpagni and art historian Elena Pontiggia, the exhibition brings together key canvases, original documents and Belle Époque posters to situate Malerba within the Novecento movement and his contemporary network.

Highlights

• Key works: selections spanning the proto-novecento phase (around 1916) to works from 1925.
• Archival material: original letters, posters and documents that illuminate the artist's career and historical context.
• Contextual displays: works by Malerba's Novecento peers to highlight artistic dialogue and influences.

Why attend

The exhibition emphasises Malerba's intimate approach to everyday subjects, often focusing on female figures and subtle psychological nuance. It offers a rare chance to see lesser-known masterpieces alongside documentary evidence that enriches their interpretation.

Visitor information

• Venue: Fondazione Ragghianti, Lucca.
• Curators: Paolo Bolpagni and Elena Pontiggia.
• Visiting tips: allow 60–90 minutes to explore paintings and archival displays; check the foundation's website or contact the venue for opening hours and guided tours.

This retrospective is suitable for art historians, students and the general public interested in early 20th-century Italian art, offering both visual highlights and documentary depth.