Anselm Kiefer's 'Le Alchimiste' at Palazzo Reale Celebrates Women of Knowledge
The exhibition 'Le Alchimiste' by Anselm Kiefer is now on display at the Sala delle Cariatidi in Palazzo Reale, Milan, showcasing 42 large-scale paintings that honor female alchemists. Kiefer, who was born in Donaueschingen in 1945, selected this location—previously damaged by Allied bombing in 1943—to intertwine his artwork with its historical significance. Curated by Gabriella Belli, the exhibit highlights Kiefer's ongoing exploration of women's roles in science. The pieces feature elements that undergo electrolysis and release a unique fragrance. Notable alchemists such as Camilla Erculiani, Caterina Sforza, Kleopatra, and Christina of Sweden are included. Belli's catalog characterizes these figures as vital heroines or witches in early scientific discourse. The exhibition is open at Palazzo Reale, Milan.
Key facts
- Anselm Kiefer's 'Le Alchimiste' exhibition is at Palazzo Reale's Sala delle Cariatidi in Milan.
- The installation consists of 42 large paintings dedicated to female alchemists.
- The venue was damaged by Allied bombing in 1943, destroying 40 caryatid sculptures.
- Curated by Gabriella Belli, the catalog is published by Marsilio.
- Kiefer's earlier cycles include women of the Revolution, Queens of France, women of antiquity, and Trümmerfrauen.
- The works incorporate natural, chemical, and pictorial elements, some with electrolysis.
- Depicted alchemists include Camilla Erculiani, Caterina Sforza, Kleopatra, and Christina of Sweden.
- Camilla Erculiani published 'Lettere di philosophia naturale' in 1584 in Krakow and faced the Inquisition.
- Caterina Sforza authored 'Experimenti' with over 400 cosmetic and pharmaceutical recipes.
- Kleopatra is associated with transmutation and chrysopoeia in Greek alchemical tradition.
- Christina of Sweden had a library rich in hermetic and alchemical texts.
- Belli describes the alchemists as heroines or witches, angels or demons, protoscientists or charlatans.
- The exhibition focuses on the centrality of knowledge, especially scientific knowledge.
Entities
Artists
- Anselm Kiefer
- Gabriella Belli
- Caterina Sforza
- Isabella Cortese
- Maria la Giudea
- Marie Meudrac
- Rebecca Vaughan
- Mary Anne Atwood
- Anne Marie Ziegler
- Pablo Picasso
- Leonardo da Vinci
- Natacha Fabbri
- Gabriele Guercio
- Lawrence Principe
- Ela Bialkowska
Institutions
- Palazzo Reale
- Marsilio
- Pirelli HangarBicocca
- Municipality of Milan – Culture
- Marsilio Arte
- Gagosian
- Galleria Lia Rumma
- Grand Palais
- Venice Biennale
- OKNO Studio
- INFERNO
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- Donaueschingen
- Germany
- Krakow
- Poland
- Paris
- France
- Cortina