Maria Barosso, artista e archeologa nella Roma in trasformazione (Maria Barosso,artist and archaeologist in a changing Rome)

The monographic exhibition Maria Barosso, artista e archeologa nella Roma in trasformazione (Maria Barosso, artist and archaeologist in transforming Rome) at the Centrale Montemartini is the first ever dedicated to the work of this extraordinary artist, who, between 1900 and the 1930s, documented in watercolor the construction sites and demolitions that were completely changing the face of the capital. The figure of Maria Barosso (1879-1960), working within the General Directorate of Antiquities and Fine Arts of the Ministry of Education, played a crucial role in documenting monuments and excavations through color reproductions.

During the period of major building transformations that Rome underwent in the early decades of the 20th century in fact, the “artist archaeologist” Barosso collaborated, as the only female designer, on the watercolor documentation of demolitions and important construction sites for the Superintendency of Rome and Lazio, distinguishing herself for a unique combination of philological accuracy and artistic interpretation.Throughout the exhibition, the watercolors are displayed alongside works by other contemporary artists, along with photographs, documents, and historical artifacts, providing historical and stylistic context to this artist's work. Of particular interest is the series of sheets depicting frescoes and mosaics located in various Roman churches that underwent restoration on several occasions.

Conceived to celebrate her important historical and documentary contribution through the display of her most significant works, the exhibition aims to delve deeper into the little-known figure of Barosso, and to rediscover her relationship with both the city of Rome and with national and international figures and institutions.

The exhibition also aims to raise awareness among the general public of a true pioneer in the protection of cultural heritage, one of the first women to work at the Ministry of Education. Among the loans are those from the Museum of Rome at Palazzo Braschi, the Historical Archives of the National Roman Museum, and the Colosseum Archaeological Park: a combination of sources that illuminates the life and work of an artist finally rediscovered.

Born in Turin, Maria Barosso graduated from the Accademia Albertina, earned her diploma, and won a teaching position in middle school drawing. She later moved to the Department of Antiquities and Fine Arts, becoming the chief draftsman for the Superintendence of Monuments of Rome and Lazio.

Photo: Maria Barosso, Demolition of the houses on Via Cremona at the Forum of Caesar