Rai Fiction TV Movie 'Fernanda' Honors First Female Museum Director in Italy
On January 31, 2023, Rai Uno presented the television film 'Fernanda,' which tells the story of Fernanda Wittgens, Italy's first female museum director. Wittgens, born in Milan in 1903, earned her Literature degree in 1926 from the Accademia scientifico-letteraria di Milano, focusing on art history. She joined Brera, where she became vice-director in 1931 and later assumed the role of director in 1941, emphasizing the safeguarding of the Pinacoteca's collection during World War II. Arrested in 1944 for her antifascist stance, she was imprisoned until 1945. Post-war, she served as superintendent of Galleries of Lombardy, facilitating major restorations. Her legacy is highlighted in the 'Arte Liberata 1937-1947' exhibition at Scuderie del Quirinale, running until April 10, 2023. Wittgens passed away in 1957. The film features Matilde Gioli and is directed by Maurizio Zaccaro.
Key facts
- Fernanda Wittgens was the first woman to direct a museum in Italy, overseeing Pinacoteca di Brera.
- The TV movie 'Fernanda' aired on Rai Uno on January 31, 2023.
- She was born in Milan in 1903 and graduated in 1926.
- She was promoted to vice-director of Brera in 1931 by Ettore Modigliani.
- She organized a successful Italian art exhibition in London in 1931.
- She coordinated the transfer of artworks to safe refuges during WWII.
- She was arrested in 1944 for antifascism and aiding Jewish friends.
- In 1950, she became superintendent of Galleries of Lombardy and promoted restoration of Leonardo's Last Supper and acquisition of Michelangelo's Rondanini Pietà.
Entities
Artists
- Fernanda Wittgens
- Ettore Modigliani
- Paolo d'Ancona
- Pasquale Rotondi
- Emilio Lavagnino
- Palma Bucarelli
- Antonio Greppi
- Mauro Pellicioli
- Piero Portaluppi
- Matilde Gioli
- Maurizio Zaccaro
- Livia Montagnoli
- Giovanna Ginex
- Rosangela Percoco
- Andrea Mantegna
- Piero della Francesca
- Raphael
- Caravaggio
- Francesco Hayez
- Canaletto
- Francesco Guardi
Institutions
- Rai Uno
- Rai Fiction
- Pinacoteca di Brera
- Accademia scientifico-letteraria di Milano
- Liceo Parini
- Liceo Manzoni
- L'Ambrosiano
- Scuderie del Quirinale
- Salani Editore
- Skira
- Artribune
Locations
- Milan
- Italy
- London
- Rome
- San Vittore
- Lombardy