Curated by Luca Cena

An enchanting journey, curated by antiquarian bookseller and cultural promoter Luca Cena, through the marvelous illustrations created by some of the greatest Italian artists from 1883 to today, designed to be nestled within the pages of a book.

In 1883, Felice Paggi published the first edition of The Adventures of Pinocchio. The Story of a Puppet, unintentionally sparking a phenomenon destined to endure for eternity. The publisher entrusted the book’s illustrations to Enrico Mazzanti, thus beginning a centuries-long tradition of enriching Carlo Collodi’s masterpiece with the talent of extraordinary artists.

Over the years, hundreds of illustrators have contributed to keeping the image of Pinocchio alive, transforming each new edition into a unique visual experience. Millions of readers, young and old, have immersed themselves in one of the most beloved stories in literature, thanks not only to Collodi’s narrative brilliance but also to the invaluable visual contributions accompanying the text over time.

The exhibition showcases a selection of 12 illustrators who have left an indelible mark on Pinocchio’s editorial history. The selected artists’ works, paired with the corresponding book editions, trace the key milestones of a visual journey spanning 140 years. Each illustrator represents a significant moment in the evolution of the imagery associated with the famous puppet, offering an immersive narrative through evocative images and volumes that celebrate Collodi’s masterpiece.