Paolo Bacilieri's graphic novel recounts Ettore Modigliani and Fernanda Wittgens' heroic defense of Brera
"Ettore & Fernanda. Un’avventura braidense," a graphic novel by Paolo Bacilieri published by Coconino Press Fandango in 2019, tells the tale of Ettore Modigliani, the Pinacoteca di Brera's director, and his assistant, Fernanda Wittgens. In 1928, Modigliani enlisted Wittgens to catalog Lombardy's artistic treasures. Their partnership led to the 1929 Italian art exhibition at Burlington House in London, where 962 artworks were transported aboard the steamship Leonardo da Vinci. Despite their achievements, Modigliani faced repercussions from the fascist regime, resulting in his transfer to L'Aquila in 1933 and later confinement in Grottammare in 1937. Wittgens made history as the first female director of a significant Italian museum. In July 1944, she was arrested for supporting Jewish families but was released on April 25, 1945. Bacilieri's work showcases intricate representations of the era.
Key facts
- Paolo Bacilieri published 'Ettore & Fernanda. Un’avventura braidense' in 2019 with Coconino Press Fandango.
- Ettore Modigliani became director of Pinacoteca di Brera in 1928 and hired Fernanda Wittgens.
- The 1929 exhibition at Burlington House, London, featured 962 Italian artworks shipped via the steamship Leonardo da Vinci.
- Giorgione's 'La Tempesta' was transported by rail, escorted by Fernanda Wittgens.
- Modigliani was transferred to L'Aquila in 1933 and sent to confinement in Grottammare in 1937 due to fascist persecution.
- Wittgens became the first woman to direct a major Italian museum as Superintendent of Galleries of Lombardy and Director of Brera.
- Wittgens was arrested in July 1944 for aiding Jewish families, sentenced to four years, and freed on April 25, 1945.
- The graphic novel was commissioned by Fondazione Berti per l'Arte e la Scienza and Associazione Amici di Brera e dei Musei Milanesi.
Entities
Artists
- Paolo Bacilieri
- Ettore Modigliani
- Fernanda Wittgens
- Giorgione
Institutions
- Pinacoteca di Brera
- Burlington House
- Royal Academy of Arts
- Coconino Press Fandango
- Fondazione Berti per l'Arte e la Scienza
- Associazione Amici di Brera e dei Musei Milanesi
- Hoepli
- Artribune
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- London
- United Kingdom
- Genoa
- France
- Gulf of Biscay
- Brest
- L'Aquila
- Abruzzo
- Grottammare
- Marche
- Lombardy
- San Vittore
- Piccadilly