Palazzo Arezzo Donnafugata, located in the heart of Ragusa Ibla, continues to be a center of great cultural interest with the opening of the new exhibition “Masterpieces around Caravaggio” starting from 16 June. After the success of the previous exhibitions dedicated to the Bongiovanni Vaccaro Caltatina workshop in 2021 and to the historic table ceramics in 2023, this new exhibition promises to offer a fascinating and enriching experience.
Curated by Costantino D’Orazio, based on an idea by Vicky DiQuattro, president of the cultural association Donnafugata 2000, and supported by the Sicily Region – Department of Cultural Heritage and Sicilian Identity, by the Free Municipal Consortium of Ragusa, and by Reale Mutua Ragusa agency Cappello/Battaglia e Sansone, the exhibition explores the incredible figure of Corrado Arezzo De Spuches, ninth Baron of Donnafugata. Represented in the exhibition catalog by the writer Costanza DiQuattro, Corrado Arezzo De Spuches was a leading figure of the Hyblaean community in the 19th century, senator of the Kingdom of Italy and creator of one of the richest art collections in eastern Sicily.
An important archival research work conducted by Angheli Zalapi and Valentina Bruschi has brought to light an unpublished document of exceptional interest: the Inventory of the inheritance of the Baron of Donnafugata, senator Corrado Arezzo, drawn up in 1896. This inventory, which records over 100 works attributed to great Italian artists between the fifteenth and nineteenth centuries, is the first complete list of the canvases preserved in the “room called Pinacoteca” of Palazzo Arezzo Donnafugata.
The exhibition presents itself as a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the cultural history of the Baron’s art collection. Among the most significant documents displayed in the halls of the palace, visitors will be able to admire five works selected from the collection. These include “A Commoner” by Salvatore Rosa, “Saint Paul the Hermit in the Desert” by Jusepe de Ribera, and “David with the Head of Goliath” (also known as “Judith with the Head of Holofernes”) by the school of Rubens, attributed in other documents in the manner of Luca Giordano.
The exhibition, designed by Studio Sciveres – Guarini, allows visitors to explore the magnificent rooms of the palace, including the dining room, the ballroom and the private lounges, where the works of art are exhibited. Furthermore, you can admire the portraits of Baron Corrado Arezzo De Spuches and his wife, painted in 1889 by Dario Querci.
This exhibition marks the beginning of a campaign of in-depth analysis of the art collection of the Arezzo Donnafugata family, coordinated by Vicky and Costanza DiQuattro with the scientific support of Costantino D’Orazio. Over the next few years, the results of diagnostic analyzes and archival research will be published, revealing new details and insights into this extraordinary collection.
With this initiative, the Pubblic/azione Association confirms itself among the most active cultural operators in Sicily, promoting the in-depth study of cultural themes and debates between entertainment and art. For further information and to book guided tours, you can consult the website www.teatrodonnafugata.it.
