Raoul Dal Molin Ferenzona: occultism and theosophy in Tuscany

The Pinacoteca Comunale Carlo Servolini in Collesalvetti hosts 'Raoul Dal Molin Ferenzona: Enchiridion Notturno. Un sognatore decadente verso l'occultismo e la teosofia', curated by Emanuele Bardazzi and Francesca Cagianelli. The exhibition presents drawings, paintings, and engravings by the Florentine artist (1879–1946), whose work fused art and life in a quest for spiritual elevation through occult and theosophical themes. Ferenzona, influenced by international Symbolism, the Rosicrucian circle of Sar Péladan, and the Bohemian Sursum group, produced works ranging from the 1906 oil 'Donna con cappello e pipistrelli' to the 1933 'Annunciazione'. Highlights include the etching 'Une formidable cocotte, une terrible coquette' (1915) homage to Félicien Rops, the previously unseen painting 'Maschere' echoing James Ensor, and a portrait of friend Domenico Baccarini. The show also features Ferenzona's literary works such as 'La ghirlanda di stelle' (1912) and the esoteric volume 'AÔB, Enchiridion notturno' (1919), from which the exhibition takes its name. The artist's Tuscan connections—Livorno, Caffè Bardi, Bagni Pancaldi, Bottega d'Arte—are explored, along with his passion for miniature and decoration.