October 31, 2013

Romane Book Launch

The three authors of Romane: Roberta Petronio, Ilaia Grillini and Paola Pisa.

Some of the 40 “Romane”: Paola Mainetti, Ludovica Rossi Purini, Sabrina Florio, Esther Crimi, Marisela Federici and Isabella Rauti.

The panel during the presentation of the book Romane at the Maxxi Museum in Rome, 30 September.

The front rows at the book presentation.

Romane author Roberta Petronio with Italian Journal editor Claudia Palmira Acunto.

Photographs by Suzanne Preparata

The new book Romane: 40 ritratti di donne contemporeanee (2013, Palombi & Partner, Musa Communicazione) was presented at the Maxxi Museum in Rome on Wednesday, September 30th. Featuring the profiles of 40 women of Rome whose cultural and societal contributions have notably impacted their home city, the book is prefaced by archeologist Valerio Massimo Manfredi and is interspersed with photographs of Rome by Claudia Peill.

The authors Ilaria Grillini, Paola Pisa, and Roberta Petronio interviewed the 40 protagonists on their connection to the Eternal City, their memories, their roots and their visions. From antiquity, the Roman woman has been a figure of power and fortitude, an uncommon and glamourized lady – from her mannerisms, predilections and style. From these ancient roots, these modern examples reflect the changing times – not all of the women are native Romans, nor are they political wives as in ancient times. Instead, these women collectively have made a difference in art, fashion, music, social improvements and education and whose reputations, like those of their predecessors, are formidable.

Most of the 40 Roman women were present for the presentation, along with many distinguished guests. The panel included Massimo Ghini, the actor, Valerio Massimo Manfredi and Enrico Vanzina, writer and scenographer. The conference took place at MAXXI, the National Museum of the 21st Century Art, designed by Zaha Hadid, the internationally-renowned female architect.

Amongst the 40 women is Ludovica Rossi Purini, who is also the author of the column “Diario Rome-New York” for the Italian Journal magazine. The 40 are: Jasmine Bertusi, Laura Biagiotti, Beatrice Borbone Bulgari, Anna Coliva, Maria Grazia Chiuri, Carolina Crescentini, Esther Crimi, Gabriella Farinon, Marisela Federici, Alessia Filippi, Nicoletta Fiorucci, Sabrina Florio, Marilena Francese, Claudia Gerini, Irene Ghergo, Frida Giannini (See Face File, 2011, Italian Journal) , Simona Izzo, Virna Lisi, Benedetta Lucherini, Paola Mainetti, Erminia Manfredi, Elettra Marconi, Elsa Martinelli, Giocanna Melandri, Valentina Moncada di Paternò, Ines Musumeci Greco, Ornella Muti, Lucia Odescalchi, Marine Bernheim Orsini, Silvana Pampanini, Laura Pepe, Georgette Ranucci, Isabella Rauti, Marina Ripa di Meana, Ludovica Rossi Purini, Luisa Todini, Maria Venier, Silvia Venturini Fendi, Lina Wermuller and Vittora Windish-Graetz.

The release date of an English translation of the book has not yet been announced.