The House Museum of Lonato del Garda recently marked a significant historical anniversary: 132 years since the marriage between the Brescian Senator Ugo Da Como and Maria Glisenti, which took place on September 27, 1894. To commemorate the occasion, the institution received an extraordinary gift: a terracotta sculpture by the Albanian artist Zeqir Alizoti, created to pay homage to the two founders of the prestigious cultural foundation.
The Artwork and its Historical Inspiration
The sculptor, originally from Vlorë in Albania, has been living in Lonato del Garda since 2015. Over the past eleven years, he has recognized the Fondazione Ugo Da Como as a fundamental cultural pillar for the local community. The donated artwork, measuring 34 by 23.5 by 24 centimeters, draws direct inspiration from a historical photograph taken in 1905, preserved within the Foundation’s extensive archives.
The original century-old image captures the Brescian Senator in a rare moment of affectionate intimacy with his wife, Maria Glisenti. Alizoti meticulously translated this archival testament into a three-dimensional composition that beautifully captures the essence of the couple’s profound bond.
A Permanent Display in the Casa del Podestà
The sculpture is destined to be permanently exhibited in the Salottino of the Casa del Podestà, the specific room where Maria Glisenti is daily remembered by the volunteers of the Amici della Fondazione association during guided tours. This curatorial choice further amplifies the emotional value of the donation, seamlessly integrating contemporary art with the monumental heritage of Lonato del Garda.
