Curated by Piero Degli Esposti, under the patronage of the Municipality and Pro Loco of Castel San Pietro Terme

An everyday object that deeply inhabits our cultural imagination is the focus of the exhibition “Opens and Closes: Keys Through the Centuries”, curated by Piero Degliesposti, under the patronage of the Municipality and Pro Loco of Castel San Pietro Terme, during the upcoming Mercanteinfiera Spring edition (Fiere di Parma, March 8-16).

The collateral exhibition presents around 170 historical specimens, a testament to diverse cultures, eras, and craftsmanship, becoming the centerpiece of an exhibition that will captivate enthusiasts and professionals of design and antiques.

Among the showcased items is a Spanish Baroque key from the 18th century, whose handle reflects Arabic-Islamic art, evidence of Moorish influence that lasted for eight centuries. Nearby, a Zanzibari key from the 19th century, representing a region under the Sultanate of Oman, illustrates a blend of styles and cultures.

Notable too is the French “Chef-d’œuvre” key from the mid-16th century, featuring finely sculpted anthropomorphic and zoomorphic figures, a symbol of the exceptional skill required of apprentice locksmiths to earn the title of master. Equally remarkable is the Venetian Renaissance key with a rose window design from the 16th century, adorned with silver inlays, a testimony to the era’s incredible technical and stylistic richness.

Each key tells a story, like the powder magazine key, cast in brass to prevent sparks, or the prison key, designed for specific and strictly regulated uses, many of which remain in use today.

This exhibition aims to combine aesthetic allure with history, offering a perspective on the symbolic meaning of keys, deeply rooted in Christian culture and our collective imagination.