Since 2003, the evocative rooms of the Dal Verme Castle in Zavattarello have been home to a continuously growing and evolving collection of contemporary art. The museum exhibits works of Italian art from the second half of the 20th century to the present day. The museum also preserves a selection of older paintings painted by Count Giuseppe dal Verme, owner of the castle in the early 20th century. These paintings constitute a valuable historical and artistic treasure that helps to immerse visitors in the history of the Dal Verme Castle.
A tribute to Zavattarello's love of art and history
It is precisely to the artist, Count Giuseppe dal Verme, and his wife Titina Gavazzi the Museum is named after, as an act of homage to their great love for art and his dedication to this fortress, donated to the citizens of Zavattarello by his heirs in 1975. A tangible symbol of the passion and cultural heritage that the couple left behind.
Art was at the heart of Giuseppe dal Verme's life, and his personal collection became the beating soul of this museum. Through his commitment and generosity, he contributed to the growth and evolution of the art collection on display. Titina Gavazzi, the Count's wife, shared his passion for art and supported his commitment to the community of Zavattarello.
The two souls of the museum
The museum presents itself as a space of duality and discovery, divided into two sections housing over one hundred works. The first, a section devoted to paintings and graphic arts, offers an immersive experience through paintings and installations donated by the artists who exhibited their works within the castle walls. This section is divided into seven rooms, each of which is dedicated to a unique theme, creating a fascinating journey through the world of contemporary art.
The second section, opened in 2011, houses over 40 sculptures by the artist Aldo Gambuzzi, donated to the museum by his heirs.
The Count's artistic legacy
On the main floor of the castle, a special space is dedicated to the works of Giuseppe Dal Verme, whose history is inextricably intertwined with the residence that still bears his family name. The count devoted himself passionately to oil canvases, considering them his favourite technique. However, one should not underestimate the quality of his watercolours, often visual notes of his many travels in Italy and abroad. Watercolours that, with their delicacy and ability to capture the atmosphere of the places visited, offer us a window into Giuseppe dal Verme's life and artistic research. It is no coincidence that the noble artist attracted the appreciation of illustrious figures such as Carlo Carrà.
The painting of the Mulinaretto
One of the most precious treasures in the museum collection is a work of inestimable historical and artistic value. It is a painting, made at the end of the 17th century by Mulinaretto, commissioned by Gian Battista Cattaneo della Volta, Count Dal Verme's maternal ancestor.
The painting depicts Marquise Maddalena Gentile, wife of Gian Battista Cattaneo della Volta, proudly showing her children to guests. The work is characterised by a style reminiscent of the influence of the Flemish painter Antoon Van Dyck, thus fitting into the typical vein of Genoese Baroque portraiture.
