Remembering Augusta Monferini
June 10, 2022
Augusta Monferini (1934–2022) was a great art historian whose scholarly pursuits spanned centuries, from medieval art to Piranesi and contemporary art. Her enduring dedication extended to pivotal roles in esteemed institutions such as Capodimonte, the Galleria Spada, Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Moderna e Contemporanea in Rome, where she was a Director.
Under her stewardship in the 1980s and 1990s, visitors to GNAM were captivated by a museum pulsating with innovation. Monferini orchestrated an inspired presentation of contemporary and early 20th-century art, seamlessly integrating contemporary luminaries such as Paolini, Pistoletto, and Fabio Mauri alongside the iconic works of Balla, Dubuffet, Fontana and Turcato, among others. Her tenure left an indelible mark on the institution. Augusta was not only a luminary in the field of art history but also a captivatingly unconventional figure—an intelligent and passionate advocate for the arts.
Her indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication command our respect, leaving behind a palpable sense of nostalgia for her incisive wit, boundless affection, and brilliant irony.
Our thoughts are with her family, Giulio Sangiorgio and Fondazione Calvesi.
Lorenzo Canova, Art Historian; Nancy Olnick and Giorgio Spanu, Trustees; Filippo Fossati, Director; The Team at Magazzino Italian Art Foundation.