The Ugo Da Como Foundation in Lonato del Garda has decided to extend the exhibition dedicated to Nino Ferrari, titled “Nino Ferrari – The Art of Metal between Tradition and Modernity,” until September 22nd. The exhibition celebrates the talent of the master metalworker, known for his collaborations with renowned artists such as Gio Ponti and Roberto Sebastián Matta.
Originally from Canneto sull’Oglio (1908) and primarily active in Brescia and Milan, Nino Ferrari has left an indelible mark in the field of metalworking. His works in silver, copper, and pewter are displayed in the Casa del Podestà, an integral part of the monumental complex of the Ugo da Como Foundation. The exhibition represents a unique opportunity to explore the historic residence of Senator Ugo da Como, which is rich in art collections and bibliographic materials.
Ferrari was a key figure in the artistic scene of the 1930s and 1940s, during which he formed a fruitful partnership with architect Gio Ponti. This relationship is documented through numerous works that testify to their collaboration from 1936 to 1952. During these years, many of Ferrari’s creations were published in the magazine “Domus,” founded by Ponti himself.
The exhibition traces Ferrari’s entire career, from his early creations in the 1920s to his more mature works characterized by his distinctive “modernissimo style.” Over one hundred pieces from private collections and public institutions such as the Civic Collections of the Sforza Castle in Milan are on display. The exhibition showcases embossed silver works, paper drawings, plaster molds, and tools used by the artist.
Among the featured works, some stand out as masterpieces, such as the embossed silver plate with symmetrical motifs and two leaping gazelles dating back to the pre-1935 period. Equally remarkable is the “Head of Medusa,” a modern homage to Caravaggio’s painted shield. The pewter spaceship-shaped service and the pewter pouring vessel from the 1970s are examples of Ferrari’s creative originality.
To support the exhibition, a catalog edited by Skira has been published, including critical contributions from curator Stefania Cretella of the University of Verona, insights into the artist’s techniques by restorer Andrea Baldrati, as well as personal memories provided by Ferrari’s daughter, Anna Ferrari.
The Casa Museo del Senatore Ugo Da Como, also known as Casa del Podestà, hosts the exhibition in its rooms furnished in Lombard historical style. Part of the extraordinary monumental complex of the Ugo Da Como Foundation, it also includes the Venetian Visconti fortress. The guided tour also allows access to the museum house’s library with its 52,000 historical volumes.
Technical details:
– Title: Nino Ferrari – The Art of Metal between Tradition and Modernity
– Curator: Stefania Cretella
– Where: Ugo Da Como Foundation – Via Rocca, 2 – 25017 – Lonato del Garda (Brescia)
– When: Until September 22, 2024
– Opening hours: Every day from 10 am to 6 pm (last entry at 5 pm)
The exhibition is sponsored by Regione Lombardia, Provincia di Brescia, Comune di Lonato del Garda, Università degli Studi di Verona – Dipartimento di Culture e Civiltà, Centro di ricerca “Rossana Bossaglia,” and Associazione Amici della Fondazione Ugo Da Como. It is made possible thanks to the crucial support of the companies BIOCHIM and COSLAB.
For further information or reservations:
– Tel.: 030 9130060
– Email: prenotazioni@fondazioneugodacomo.it
Italian Version
