Book Reveals Women Designers at Early Milan Triennales

A new book titled 'Athena. Le presenze femminili delle Biennali-Triennali di Monza-Milano 1923-1940' documents the contributions of women architects, sculptors, painters, and artisans at the early Biennali and Triennali exhibitions in Monza and Milan. Authored by Anty Pansera and Mariateresa Chirico, the volume is based on meticulous research of exhibition catalogues and periodicals such as Emporium and Domus. It includes a monumental register of 463 names: 70 refer to schools, companies, and institutions; 393 to individuals; and 31 uncovered from other sources. The book highlights how these women, from nobility and educated bourgeoisie, founded professional schools and transmitted ancient techniques, providing alternatives to factory or field labor. Notable figures include Gaetana Calvi, who graduated in engineering from Politecnico di Milano in 1914; Elena Luzzatto, who earned an architecture degree in Milan in 1925; and Elvira Luisa Morassi, the first Italian woman to open her own architecture studio. The book also covers the 1933 V Triennale held at Giovanni Muzio's Palazzo dell'Arte, with sculptural elements by Mario Sironi and organization by Gio Ponti under the motto 'style and civilization.' The authors dedicate the work to Athena, goddess of wisdom and arts, symbolizing the women's struggle with discernment and balance. Published by Nomos Edizioni in 2024, the 402-page book costs €29.90.