Ritratto di Anna (Morlotti)

For this edition of Museo Segreto, the Archive of Works by Ennio Morlotti presents a portrait by Renato Guttuso of Ennio Morlotti's wife, Anna Vitalini.
Since the late 1930s, the two artists participated in the Corrente artistic movement, sharing profound reflections on the role of realism in painting. After the war, especially toward the end of the 1950s, Morlotti and Guttuso met frequently, particularly during the Sicilian artist's time at his home in Velate (VA). During this period, the two painters regularly visited a mutual collector’s home, Dr. Brambilla Pisoni, with their respective wives, Mimise, Anna, and Mariolita.
During these occasions, the idea emerged for Guttuso to dedicate a portrait to his friend Morlotti, to express “the friendship of him and Enrico Brambilla Pisoni” (as stated in the title of the work, which is part of the Museums of Lecco). Less known is Guttuso's portrait of Morlotti's wife, which the artist himself gifted to Anna. She appreciated the painting from her friend: from then on, the work was almost always kept in her bedroom until her passing.
The exhibition of the work will allow for reflection on the relationship between Morlotti and Guttuso: we will see how the two painters maintained an excellent personal relationship and a deep professional esteem for each other. Despite their respective differences, the two artists always appreciated each other's artistic journey and their constant search for new creative solutions.