Plautilla Bricci, 17th-century architect and painter, gets first solo show in Rome

The Gallerie Corsini in Rome presents 'Una rivoluzione silenziosa. Plautilla Bricci pittrice e architettrice', the first solo exhibition dedicated to Plautilla Bricci (Rome, 1616 – post 1690), the only known professional female architect in pre-industrial Europe. Curated by art historian Yuri Primarosa, the show brings together Bricci's graphic and pictorial production alongside unpublished works by masters such as Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Pietro da Cortona, and Giovan Francesco Romanelli. The exhibition is structured in six thematic sections featuring drawings, engravings, books, embroidered vestments, paintings, sculptures, and architectural projects. It opens with two emblematic paintings: a 'Ritratto di architettrice' from Los Angeles, identified by Gianni Papi as likely depicting Bricci, and 'Ragazza col compasso' from Galleria Spada, attributed to Angelo Caroselli. The opportunity for the exhibition arose from the discovery of new historical documents, works, and architectural projects at the Archivio di Stato di Roma. Bricci's rediscovery was also spurred by Melania Mazzucco's historical novel 'L'architettrice'. Primarosa notes that Bricci developed a unique language blending late Mannerist heritage with Baroque influences from her contacts with Pietro da Cortona, Andrea Sacchi, and others. The exhibition runs from November 5, 2021, to April 19, 2022, at Galleria Corsini, Via della Lungara, Rome.