Gaetano Previati Centenary Exhibition Opens at Castello Estense in Ferrara

A major exhibition on Gaetano Previati (Ferrara, 1852 – Lavagna, 1920), the leading Italian Symbolist painter, has opened at the Castello Estense in Ferrara to mark the centenary of his death. Curated by Chiara Vorrasi, the show explores Previati's influence on Futurism—Umberto Boccioni called him "the precursor in Italy of the idealist revolution that today defeats verism"—and his pioneering Divisionist technique. The exhibition includes unexpected works such as two versions of "Le fumatrici di oppio" and a Gothic "Prima comunione" from the Cavallini Sgarbi collection. Notable is the rediscovery of a painting of Torquato Tasso thought lost, which will be displayed from March 27; until then, only a reproduction and didactic panels are shown. Drawings inspired by Edgar Allan Poe, works reflecting Previati's interest in music, little-known religious subjects, and illustrations of the tragic story of Ugo and Parisina (set in the Castello Estense dungeons in 1425) are also featured. The exhibition closes with "La ferrovia del Pacifico" (1914–1915), a large oil painting commissioned by the Chamber of Commerce of Milan depicting a locomotive crossing a bridge, showing Previati's continued Divisionist style while echoing Futurist themes of speed. The show is organized by Fondazione Ferrara Arte, whose president is Vittorio Sgarbi.