The Unfinished Portrait: Fernanda Wittgens’ Legacy in the Time of Fascism’s Return

The world premiere of “Anatomy of a Portrait” at Venice Days may have passed, but its themes remain as timely and haunting as ever. Directed by Francesco Clerici and Mattia Colombo, this Italian-Swiss co-production weaves together the fragmented narrative of Fernanda Wittgens, Italy’s first female museum director who defied fascism during WWII with courage and conviction.

Clerici and Colombo’s innovative approach to telling Wittgens’ story respects the gaps left behind by historical absence. By placing art historian Giovanna Ginex at the center of the narrative, where she brings Fernanda’s voice back to life through her extensive research, they create a space for reflection on what it means to preserve memory and culture.

Wittgens’ legacy extends far beyond Brera, the Pinacoteca di Milan where she served as director. Her vision of art as a profoundly public and political force resonates with today’s struggles against fascism and for artistic freedom. As the far-right rises again, Wittgens’ courage in protecting works of art and helping persecuted individuals escape the Fascist regime serves as a powerful reminder of standing up to oppressive regimes.

Wittgens’ commitment to making art accessible to everyone, even during a time when institutions were almost exclusively male-dominated, speaks volumes about her dedication to the public’s role in shaping cultural institutions. Her fight to rebuild Brera as an inclusive and open space for all is a testament to the enduring power of art to inspire social change.

By focusing on the encounter between Ginex and Sara Drago, the actress who brings Wittgens’ voice back to life, Clerici and Colombo add another layer to this narrative. They create a space for dialogue about the past, present, and future of art and culture by exploring how two women from different generations engage with Wittgens’ story.

In an era marked by budget cuts and changing societal values, Wittgens’ unwavering commitment to preserving memory and promoting artistic freedom serves as a beacon for cultural leaders. Her vision of inclusive and public art institutions raises questions about the role of art in society today: can we learn from her approach?

As the world grapples with the consequences of rising nationalism and fascist ideologies, Fernanda Wittgens’ story offers a powerful reminder that art has always been at the forefront of social change. Her unfinished portrait serves as a testament to the enduring power of creativity to inspire resistance, solidarity, and collective action.

Fernanda Wittgens’ courage, conviction, and unwavering commitment to art’s transformative power offer a vital reminder in an era marked by intolerance, division, and hatred. As we reflect on the significance of “Anatomy of a Portrait”, it is clear that her story remains relevant today. The question now is: who will carry on her legacy?

The unfinished portrait remains an open invitation – one that demands we continue to imagine, create, and resist in the face of adversity. In doing so, Wittgens’ story serves as a call to action for those committed to preserving memory, promoting artistic freedom, and creating inclusive spaces for all.