Israel Museum Gala Dinner Milan, 22 March 2023

On March 22, 2023, in the magnificent setting of Palazzo Visconti in Milan, the Italian Friends of the Israel Museum hosted a Gala Dinner in honor of Maestro Emilio Isgrò, celebrating the donation to the Museum of his work “Cancellation of the Alhambra Decree and Imperial Tail” (about which you can find further information at this link).

An evening rich in surprising moments, including an address by Denis Weil, Director of the Israel Museum, who was introduced for the first time in Italy by the President of AIMIG. He opened with an update on the Museum’s most recent activities and developments, as it celebrates its 58th anniversary this year.

This was followed by a tribute to Arturo Schwarz, the great gallerist, collector, and figure of the art world, to whom AIMIG had dedicated its last Milan gala in 2019. Maestro Emilio Isgrò honored his memory with engaging recollections, anecdotes, and affectionate remarks about a man who, among many other things, was also his first gallerist.

Equally compelling was the brief yet substantive talk by Professor Marcello Fidanzio on the state of research into the Dead Sea Scrolls, along with some new insights into the Isaiah Scroll—topics that AIMIG will explore further during its next trip to Israel, including visits to the Shrine of the Book and the extraordinary excavations at Qumran.

Another noteworthy contribution came from Dr. Alessio Assonitis, Director of the Medici Archive of Florence, who announced “The Ghetto That No Longer Exists.” His was a vivid account of research conducted in the vast and powerful archive, from which countless details have emerged about the great Florentine ghetto of the 16th century. This research will form the basis of an exhibition opening at Palazzo Pitti on October 23.

Adding further energy to the evening was a charity auction conducted by Christie’s and Sotheby’s—whom we warmly thank here—featuring artworks donated by numerous artists, many of whom were present at the dinner. Collectors and lovers of beauty took part with great enthusiasm, bringing the total number of attendees to 130.

CATALOGUE

Fotografia di Emiliano Scatarzi

23 Aprile 2023

di Ilaria Myr