Angelo Zanelli and the Altar of the Fatherland

From 26 October at the Altar of the Fatherland, Sala Zanardelli

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From 26 October 2023 to 1 May 2024, VIVE – Vittoriano and Palazzo Venezia, directed by Edith Gabrielli, is hosting "Angelo Zanelli and the Altar of the Fatherland" in the Sala Zanardelli at the Altar of the Fatherland. From the competition in 1908 to the introduction of the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in 1921 and the installation of the Goddess Rome statue in 1925, the true focus of the exhibition, it explores the historical events leading to the creation of the Altar of the Fatherland and the artistic career of the Lombard sculptor Angelo Zanelli (1879-1942) who decorated it, encouraging reflection on the key role played by the monument – symbolising a united Italy – in shaping the symbolism and image of a nation.

"Angelo Zanelli and the Altar of the Fatherland" also celebrates the completion of the restauration of Zanelli’s frieze, commenced last March as part of a project to raise awareness of the central section of the Altar of the Fatherland. For this reason, an immersive reality room at the end of the exhibition route literally allows visitors to enter the frieze and observe it in every tiny detail.

The exhibition is curated by Professor Valerio Terraroli (University of Verona), a leading expert on Italian art of the 19th and 20th centuries, in collaboration with the Fondazione Brescia Musei and in agreement with the Archivio Centrale dello Stato and the Soprintendenza Speciale Archeologia, Belle Arti e Paesaggio in Rome.

THE EXHIBITION

THE ARTIST: ANGELO ZANELLI

THE WORKS

THE IMMERSIVE REALITY ROOM

INFORMATIONS

THE CATALOG

PRESS

THE ALTAR OF THE FATHERLAND RESTORATION

From March to October 2023, the worksite of Angelo Zanelli’s masterpiece was opened up to viewing by visitors and local citizens. The restoration was executed by Susanna Sarmati under the direction of Edith Gabrielli and reinstated full access to the monument. Here is a first selection of pictures of the frieze, taken by the photographer Mauro Magliani after the restoration programme was completed.

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Angelo Zanelli, Testa della Dea Roma, Altare della Patria, Roma. © MiC, VIVE - Vittoriano e Palazzo Venezia

Foto di Mauro Magliani

Angelo Zanelli, fregio occidentale dell'Altare della Patria, Roma. © MiC, VIVE - Vittoriano e Palazzo Venezia

Foto di Mauro Magliani

Angelo Zanelli, fregio orientale dell'Altare della Patria, Roma. © MiC, VIVE - Vittoriano e Palazzo Venezia

Foto di Mauro Magliani

Angelo Zanelli, fregio orientale dell'Altare della Patria, Roma. © MiC, VIVE - Vittoriano e Palazzo Venezia

Foto di Mauro Magliani

Angelo Zanelli, fregio orientale dell'Altare della Patria, Roma. © MiC, VIVE - Vittoriano e Palazzo Venezia

Foto di Mauro Magliani

Angelo Zanelli, fregio orientale dell'Altare della Patria, Roma. © MiC, VIVE - Vittoriano e Palazzo Venezia

Foto di Mauro Magliani

RESTORATION OF WORKS IN THE PLASTER CAST GALLERY OF THE ALTAR OF THE FATHERLAND

Another important intervention was the restoration of 44 plaster casts from the Gallery of the Altar of the Fatherland. Directed by Edith Gabrielli and executed by Luca Pantone, for the first time the restoration allows the public to see a selection of works from the VIVE collections with direct or indirect links to the Altar of the Fatherland.

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Gipsoteca del Vittoriano, Canefora o Donna con la finestra, Angelo Zanelli. © MiC, VIVE - Vittoriano e Palazzo Venezia.

Foto di Mauro Magliani