Centenary of Rachele Bianchi: Rediscovering a Milanese Sculptor

Rachele Bianchi, an untrained artist who excelled in both sculpture and painting, lived from 1925 to 2018. To celebrate her 100th birthday, various events are planned until 2026. Her sculpture 'Personaggio', found on via Vittor Pisani in Milan, was a groundbreaking piece as the city’s first public artwork by a woman, highlighting female artists' contributions. Starting in January 2026, the Archivio Rachele Bianchi will present a major exhibition at Palazzo Pirelli called 'Figura Forma. Cent’anni di Rachele Bianchi', curated by Erika Lacava, featuring around 100 artworks. Additionally, a new piece, 'Figura con braccia alzate', will be placed at the Palazzo. The project 'La Rete delle Artiste' aims to connect archives for women artists in Milan and Lombardy. Bianchi's impressive legacy includes over 1,600 works, and in 2019, she was celebrated as one of the first 100 women honored at Milan’s Famedio.