Italy

Art, exhibitions, cultural heritage, and collecting stories connected with Italy. Coverage includes Italian artists, historic works, art fairs, and objects whose design or history reflects the country.

AV17 Gallery Brings Žilvinas Kempinas to Artissima 2026, Presenting a Lithuanian Perspective on Movement, Perception and Space

ALAYA by Žilvinas Kempinas: a circular web of fine pale lines on black, shown on an AV17 Gallery Artissima poster.

This autumn, (AV17) Gallery, Vilnius, brings the work of internationally acclaimed Lithuanian artist Žilvinas Kempinas to Artissima 2026, one of Italy’s leading contemporary art fairs. The presentation will explore Kempinas’ distinctive approach to movement, perception, light and space, transforming familiar materials and physical forces into dynamic, often unexpectedly immersive visual experiences.

Italian Artist’s Stark Vision of Escape Gains Attention with “Ecosustainable Castle” Series

Painting from Nicola Vacca’s Ecosustainable Castle series, showing a castle and bright low sun against dark mountains.

At first glance, the castle looks the same—unchanging, simple, gray. But the longer you linger, the more unsettling it becomes. Around it, entire worlds shift: seasons decay, skies warp, landscapes dissolve into something unrecognizable. And yet the structure stands, untouched, as if refusing to acknowledge the chaos closing in. For Nicola Vacca, this is not just a visual motif—it’s a line drawn against a world he no longer trusts. His paintings aren’t merely meant to be seen; they are a blueprint for escape, a quiet but defiant declaration that somewhere beyond the noise of modern life, a different way of existing might still be built.

Simonetta Vespucci Restores the Identity of Botticelli’s Lost Altarpiece

Detail of the San Leo Altarpiece

After more than four years of meticulous restoration, a long-overlooked Renaissance altarpiece has reemerged in stunning detail—now believed by experts to be the work of none other than Sandro Botticelli. Hidden beneath centuries of retouching and misattribution, the Madonna Enthroned with Child among Saints from San Leo is captivating art historians with its unmistakable style and mysterious past. One scholar even suggests the flanking saints may once have been portraits of Pico della Mirandola and Poliziano. The full story uncovers how this masterpiece journeyed through time, hands, and ideologies—only to be seen anew today.

Artevento Cervia 2025: A Spectacular Celebration of Art, History, and Freedom

Kadek Armika’s sculptural kite with a masklike face and wide ribbed wings against a blue sky.

Colorful kites soaring against the backdrop of the Adriatic, world-class performers, and a celebration of history, culture, and freedom—ARTEVENTO CERVIA 2025 is more than just a festival; it’s a breathtaking spectacle. This special 45th edition brings together artists and kite masters from 50 countries, stunning aerial displays, and a powerful message of unity and peace. From mesmerizing night flights to a groundbreaking exhibition by Indonesian master Kadek Armika, this year’s event is set to be unforgettable. Discover what makes this festival a must-see experience.

Legendary Stradivarius Violin Fetches $11 Million at Sotheby’s, Falling Short of World Record

Close-up of the Joachim-Ma Stradivarius scroll, pegbox and tuning pegs against black.

A legendary Stradivarius violin, crafted over three centuries ago, has just sold for a staggering $11.25 million at a Sotheby’s auction—fueling not only the dreams of its new owner but also those of countless young musicians. With a history intertwined with Brahms and one of the most celebrated violinists of the 19th century, this rare masterpiece is more than just an instrument—it’s a living piece of music history. But who placed the winning bid, and how will this sale transform the future of classical music? Read further to uncover the full story behind this extraordinary event.

One of the Most Important Musical Instruments Ever to Appear at Auction: $18M Stradivarius to Shape the Future of Music

Stradivarius Violin

A dazzling relic from music history is about to command the global stage. The Joachim-Ma Stradivarius, a violin crafted in 1714 during Antonio Stradivari’s legendary “Golden Period,” is poised to set hearts racing when it goes under the hammer at Sotheby’s in February 2025. With a jaw-dropping estimate of $12–18 million, this rare masterpiece promises not only to rewrite auction records but also to transform the future of classical music education.

Ancient and Contemporary Japanese Kites Take Flight in Italy for ‘One Sky One World’ Peace Festival

Japanese kite painted with two figures beneath a yellow umbrella on a green background.

The festival’s centerpiece, hosted at the historic Magazzino del Sale Torre, will feature an unprecedented exhibition dedicated to both ancient and contemporary Japanese kites. Organized under the sponsorship of the Italian Ministry of Culture, the Japanese Institute of Culture in Italy, and the Italian Association of Printing and Paper Museums, the event underscores ARTEVENTO’s long-standing role in promoting kites as an “intangible heritage of humanity.”

“Reminiscence” by Joanna Li: A Captivating Short Video on Memory’s Maze

Joanna Li wearing a blue sweater against a dark background.

At Milan Design Week, Joanna Li brought a fresh perspective to the intersection of art and memory with her captivating short video “Reminiscence.” Hosted at the Andrea Ingenito Contemporary Art Gallery, Li’s work stood out as a poignant exploration of the human experience through the lens of memory, drawing significant attention and sparking profound discussions among attendees.