The exhibition “From Degas to Boldini: A Look at Impressionism between France and Italy,” curated by Anna Ciccarelli and Pierluigi Carofano, is currently hosted at the Palazzo Montani Leoni in Terni, Italy. It will run until June 29, 2025. This showcase features a new acquisition, “Bouquet de fleurs avec des roses” (c. 1900) by Camille Pissarro, adding a unique piece to the collection.
The exhibition aims to celebrate primarily Italian artists from the mid-19th century to the 1920s, a time when their achievements were often overshadowed by the dominant French Impressionism.
The newly acquired work by Pissarro presents a bouquet of white roses and pink flowers, vibrant against a neutral background accentuated by darker brush strokes reminiscent of leaves swaying in the wind. This piece fits seamlessly into the exhibition’s objective of exploring Impressionism in connection with other contemporary artistic movements in Italy.
The exhibition begins with figures from the Barbizon School, who escaped the bustling modernity of Paris to paint en plein air in the Fontainebleau forest. Notable artists like Corot and Palizzi initiate the show, while a rare drawing by Manet introduces the French Impressionist section, enriched by a preparatory study for Monet’s “Water Lilies,” the iconic leader of the movement.
Among the notable French artists represented, Berthe Morisot, the sole female founder of the French Impressionist movement, is displayed with three pieces on loan from French and Irish collections. Her contributions to the exhibition further highlight the influential role of women in art.
The later segments of the exhibition showcase prominent Italian artists like De Nittis, Zandomeneghi, Boldini, Corcos, and Medardo Rosso. These artists moved to Paris in pursuit of artistic innovation showcased at various annual salons and Exposition Universelle events. Additionally, there is a comprehensive section dedicated to the Macchiaioli, an all-Italian artistic movement that flourished in Florence during the same period and gained significant admiration in France.
The show features key representatives of the Macchiaioli, such as Fattori, Lega, Signorini, and Banti, who had a profound influence on later generations of Tuscan painters. The exhibition displays works from esteemed collections, including those of the Cariplo Foundation and the Florence Museum.
The exhibition culminates in a contemporary homage to Impressionism, showcasing the works of modern artists Mario Schifano and Tano Festa, who celebrate the legacy of this transformative artistic movement. A video presentation provided by RAI Teche enhances the visitors’ experience.
Curators Anna Ciccarelli and Pierluigi Carofano expressed their excitement about presenting this comprehensive survey, which is the result of over a year of meticulous research involving numerous civic museums and international galleries. You can also visit Fondazione Carit for more details.
Photo credits: The photographs are the property of the gallery. Photos by A. Mirimao.
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