ANCIENT MARIONETTES

From 28 March to 30 June 2019
Venezia, Carlo Goldoni’s house

Curated by Chiara Squarcina and Massimo Medica

On display for the first time at the Carlo Goldoni House Museum will be a selection of the precious marionettes conserved and exhibited at the Museo Civico d’Arte Industriale – Palazzo Davia Bargellini in Bologna. This marks a consolidation of the rapport that already exists between the two museums, since both are custodians of a similar Venetian-made heritage.

The exhibition of marionettes fosters an appreciation of unique examples of their kind, whose state of conservation will rekindle echoes of past performances, emphasising their educational and social value.
A part of Carlo Goldoni House Museum’s own historical collection of marionettes will also remain on show for visitors to examine and admire the care and wealth of intricate details that went into the creation of these agile, multi-jointed puppets, which were a common source of theatrical entertainment in Venetian noble residences.

The Venetian puppets will be joined by a selection from the collection held by Museo Civico d’Arte Industriale – Palazzo Davia Bargellini, which comprises 74 puppets, nine horses and a monkey, purchased in 1922. A nucleus that includes five sets of scenery, undoubtedly linked to Bologna and Bibbiena, whose façades bear the coat of arms of the Albicini family from Forlì.