Antea at the Frick Collection

January 28, 2008-April 27, 2008

Letter from the President

As president of the Foundation for Italian Art & Culture( FIAC), I am delighted that the Foundation is partnering once again with The Frick Collection, this time to present one of the masterpieces of the Italian Renaissance, Parmigianino's Antea.

While the painting is recognized as one of the great portraits of the Italian Renaissance, many questions remain unanswered. For centuries, scholars have attempted to identify the woman in the portrait, but no definitive identification has ever been made. The exhibition of Parmigianino's Antea at The Frick Collection will offer audieneces an unprecedented opportunity to experience the beguiling painting and the mystery surrounding it.

FIAC's deepest gratitude goes to Professor Nicola Spinosa, Superintendent of the Museums of Naples, for the generosity lending this masterpiece to The Frick Collection, as well as to Ambassador Daniele Bodini, Chairman of FIAC, and the Alexander Bodini Foundation for making this exhibition possible.

FIAC is at the forefront of introducing American audiences to the greatest works of Italian art and culture with tremendous success. The Frick Collection has taken a special interest in FIAC's projects and we offer our sincere appreciation to Director Anne L. Poulet, Peter J. Sharp, Chief Curator Colin B. Bailey, and Christina Neilson, Andrew W. Mellon Curatorial Fellow, for their commitment and expertise.

The exhibit of Parmigianino's Antea is another example of The Frick Collection's and FIAC's dedication to making timeless works of art accessible to the larger public.

Alain Elkann

President, Foundation for Italian Art and Culture