The Paolo and Carolina Zani Foundation stands out as an important center for the promotion of art and culture, located in Cellatica. Recently, it inaugurated an exhibition titled “The Dancing Faun | Art, Fashion, Dance,” which explores the fascinating interplay between sculpture, fashion, and dance through historical and contemporary works. The Dancing Faun: An Icon of Beauty The exhibition celebrates the Dancing Faun, regarded as one of the most beautiful statues ever created. This event has been curated by Massimiliano Capella and Chiara Maritano, with the collaboration of G. Carlo Federico Villa and Maria Brancati. At the heart of the exhibition are four sculptural examples of the Dancing Faun, accompanied by stage costumes created by renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso and Roberto Capucci. These costumes have been worn by legends of the ballet world, including Carla Fracci and Roberto Bolle. In the room dedicated to temporary exhibitions, the work of the Dancing Faun (circa 1748) from the Turin collections of Palazzo Madama serves as a starting point for an iconographic journey that explores the fortune of this sculptural model in ancient art. The hard porcelain statue represents a cast based on a Roman marble original from the 1st century BC, preserved in the Tribuna degli Uffizi. A Journey Between History and Modernity The exhibition offers a glimpse into the production of porcelain during the Medici period in Florence. The Ginori Manufactory began reproducing ancient statues in white porcelain using innovative techniques for the time. Among the displayed pieces are bronze sculptures created in the 17th and 18th centuries, symbolizing the growing interest in artistic reproductions intended for the domestic market. Iconic Costumes: High Fashion Meets Dance Alongside the main exhibition, an extraordinary selection of costumes worn by international dance icons is showcased. These include costumes designed by Léon Bakst for the ballet “L’Après-midi d’un faune,” as well as creations by Ezio Frigerio for Carla Fracci at La Scala. Additionally, works signed by artists like Pablo Picasso further enrich the exhibition pathway. Educational Events The Foundation does not limit itself to mere exhibitions; it also organizes thematic conferences that delve into the topics covered in the exhibition. The planned meetings include: November 8, 2025: “Fashion that Dances” with Mario Brancati November 15, 2025: “The Faun and the Nymph” led by Francesca Morandini Both events will take place at the Foundation’s headquarters in Cellatica. Useful Information To visit the exhibition or participate in the scheduled events, reservations are required by contacting +39 030 25 20 479 or sending an email to info@fondazionezani.com. The Paolo and Carolina Zani Foundation continues to play a crucial role in the preservation and enhancement of Italy’s historical and artistic heritage, offering visitors the opportunity to immerse themselves in a world rich in history and artistic emotions. Italian Version
Paolo and Carolina Zani Foundation: art and dance in Cellatica
