ARTFEED — Contemporary Art Intelligence

Virna Lisi retrospective in Jesi explores the actress's dual identity as diva and antidiva

exhibition · 2026-04-27

At Palazzo Bisaccioni, the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Jesi showcases 'Virna Lisi. Diva e Antidiva' until May 5, 2024. This exhibition, curated by Bruno Di Marino and envisioned by Mauro Tarantino, highlights the illustrious career of Italian actress Virna Lisi (born Virna Pieralisi, Ancona 1936 – Rome 2014), who rose to prominence in the 1960s with notable films such as 'How to Murder Your Wife' and 'Assault on a Queen.' The title signifies her complex identity as both a celebrated figure and a private person. Visitors can explore portraits, set photographs, and personal artifacts, culminating in an immersive installation by Fabio Massimo Iaquone. Additionally, a film series at Cinema Teatro Il Piccolo features Lisi's documentaries and movies.

Key facts

  • Exhibition 'Virna Lisi. Diva e Antidiva' runs until May 5, 2024 at Palazzo Bisaccioni, Jesi.
  • Curated by Bruno Di Marino and conceived by Mauro Tarantino.
  • Virna Lisi (1936–2014) was an Italian actress known for Hollywood films like 'How to Murder Your Wife' with Jack Lemmon and 'Assault on a Queen' with Frank Sinatra.
  • The exhibition includes photographs by Douglas Kirkland and Angelo Frontoni, personal objects, and family photos from the Pesci archive.
  • An immersive installation by Fabio Massimo Iaquone titled 'Geometrie dell'incanto' is featured.
  • Visual mappings on the palace facade were created by winners of the 'Virna Lisi: icona italiana' competition.
  • A film series at Cinema Teatro Il Piccolo includes the documentary 'Virna Lisi la donna che rinunciò a Hollywood' by Fabrizio Corallo.
  • The subtitle 'Diva e Antidiva' refers to Lisi's public image versus her private life.

Entities

Artists

  • Virna Lisi
  • Virna Pieralisi
  • Jack Lemmon
  • Frank Sinatra
  • Douglas Kirkland
  • Angelo Frontoni
  • Fabio Massimo Iaquone
  • Fabrizio Corallo
  • Mauro Tarantino
  • Bruno Di Marino

Institutions

  • Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Jesi
  • Palazzo Bisaccioni
  • Cinema Teatro Il Piccolo
  • Pesci family

Locations

  • Jesi
  • Ancona
  • Rome
  • United States
  • France
  • Hollywood

Sources