Nori De' Nobili: The Artist Who Turned Suffering into Painting
Eleonora 'Nori' De' Nobili (Pesaro, 1902 – Modena, 1968) was an Italian artist who transformed her personal suffering into her creations. Coming from a wealthy background, she spent her summers at Villa Centofinestre and received training from Giusto Cespi in Fano and Ludovico Tommasi in Florence. Notable pieces include 'Chiesa della Tosse' and 'Casa sull'Arno'. In 1930, she showcased her work at the IV Mostra Regionale Toscana, which sparked a contentious relationship with critic Aniceto Del Massa. Following her brother's passing and her mother's illness, she attempted suicide in 1933 and was admitted to an institution in 1935. Her expressionist art often depicted female figures and self-portraits. Her final piece, 'L'anima di Nori che sale in cielo', was completed in 1967, and her works are displayed at the Museo Nori De' Nobili, which opened in 2012.
Key facts
- Nori De' Nobili was born in Pesaro in 1902 and died in Modena in 1968.
- She spent childhood summers at Villa Centofinestre, built by Cardinal Antonelli in 1730.
- She studied art under Giusto Cespi in Fano and later with Ludovico Tommasi in Florence.
- She participated in the IV Mostra Regionale Toscana in 1930 thanks to critic Aniceto Del Massa.
- She attempted suicide twice, in 1930 and 1933, following personal tragedies.
- From 1935 she was institutionalized at Villa Igea in Modena but continued painting.
- Her style is expressionist and naïve, featuring female figures, clowns, and self-portraits.
- Her last painting, 'L'anima di Nori che sale in cielo', was made on an X-ray plate in 1967.
- The Museo Nori De' Nobili in Ripe di Trecastelli was inaugurated in 2012.
Entities
Artists
- Nori De' Nobili
- Giusto Cespi
- Ludovico Tommasi
- Silvestro Lega
- Ottone Rosai
- Mino Maccari
- Aniceto Del Massa
- Roberta Rocchetti
Institutions
- Villa Centofinestre
- Stella Viae
- Villa Igea
- Museo Nori De' Nobili
- Artribune
Locations
- Pesaro
- Italy
- Brugnetto di Ripe
- Marche
- Fano
- Rome
- Florence
- Modena
- Ripe di Trecastelli
- Ancona