Uncovered Corcos Pastel: Portrait of Donna Franca Florio with Young Ignazio on Display in Palermo

Discovery and historical relevance

A sizable pastel on canvas attributed to Vittorio Matteo Corcos, dated around 1901, has been reconnected to the artist's output and is being exhibited in Palermo. The work shows Donna Franca Florio with young Ignazio in a domestic, light-filled scene, closer to an intimate moment than a formal portrait.

How the attribution emerged

Scholarly assessment focusing on formal and iconographic details led to the identification of the sitter as the well-known Palermo aristocrat. Cross-checking with period photographs and iconographic records reinforced the attribution, highlighting the refined handling of light and elegant portraiture typical of Corcos.

Why this work matters

Iconographic value: the painting adds to the visual record of the Italian Belle Époque by offering an intimate view of a symbolic public figure of Palermo's cosmopolitan scene.

Historical value: it depicts a mother-and-child relationship within a prominent early-20th-century family, illuminating private life and social dynamics of the period.

Exhibition details

• Exhibition title: Are you Franca?
• Work on display: "Il Mattino (Portrait of Donna Franca Florio and Baby Boy)" – attributed to Vittorio Matteo Corcos, ca. 1901
• Venue: Galleria Il Casino delle Muse, via XII Gennaio, Palermo
• Opening: 14 March 2026, 18:00
• Dates: 14 March – 8 May 2026
• Hours: Tuesday–Friday 10:00–13:00 / 16:30–19:30 (closed Monday, Saturdays and public holidays)
• Admission: free
• Notes: the work belongs to a private collection and is not for sale; it will return to the owner after the exhibition.

Related events and publication

The opening evening will include the presentation of a book that traces the discovery and provides critical commentary on the work. The exhibition is a rare chance to study a little-known pastel in person and examine stylistic details that are often appreciable only on site.

Visitor tips

• Check the gallery website or contact the venue for any last-minute changes to schedules or events around the opening.
• Allow extra time on site to read explanatory panels and consult the exhibition catalogue if available.
• Anyone interested in Belle Époque portraiture will find valuable material for iconographic and stylistic study.