International Exhibition of Sveva Caetani Opens at MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Art This Fall
VERNON, BC – An exhibition that could be described as centuries in the making is finally coming to life.
Before her death in 1994, Vernon artist Sveva Caetani dreamed of exhibiting her work in Rome—the birthplace she had not seen since childhood. That dream will soon be realized.
On October 3, 2025, Recapitulation—Caetani’s major painting series—along with select other works, will be exhibited in its entirety for the first time, and for the first time outside of Canada, at MAXXI – National Museum of 21st Century Art in Rome.
“The Caetani Centre has been working with MAXXI for nearly two years to bring Sveva’s Recapitulation series to Rome for her first posthumous international exhibition, and we are thrilled that it’s finally happening,” said Laisha Rosnau, Executive Director of the Caetani Centre. “Italy was central to Sveva’s family history and personal identity—reflected in her memories, writing, and artwork. Hosting her first international show in the country of her birth is a remarkable tribute to her legacy.”
MAXXI curator Chiara Ianeselli visited Vernon in March 2025 to research Caetani’s extensive watercolour series and other personal works. During her visit, Ianeselli met with local artists, City of Vernon officials, and those who knew Caetani personally.
“This exhibition symbolically returns Sveva to her birthplace through a visionary body of work that is only now receiving the recognition it so richly deserves,” said Ianeselli. “Thanks to a unique collaboration between Canadian and Italian institutions, this long-overdue tribute brings her poetic and powerful legacy to light.”
The exhibition is a collaborative effort between the Caetani Centre, the Vernon Public Art Gallery, and the Museum & Archives of Vernon.
“Sveva Caetani’s art is deeply rooted in history and storytelling. Sharing her legacy on an international stage reflects the Vernon Public Art Gallery’s commitment to preserving and promoting important cultural narratives,” said Dauna Kennedy, Executive Director of the Vernon Public Art Gallery. “This is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate her impact and foster cultural connections between Canadian and Italian audiences.”
Gwyneth Evans, Archives Manager at the Museum and Archives of Vernon, added:
“As custodians of the Sveva Caetani fonds, MAV is honoured to support this exhibition. The collection includes manuscripts, drawings, photographs, video, and audio recordings that offer profound insight into her life, art, and legacy.”
Italian officials have also voiced their support. Paolo Miraglia Del Giudice, Consul General of Italy in Vancouver, visited the Caetani Centre in March to learn more about Caetani’s legacy.
“Sveva Caetani was an Italian-Canadian artist whose work forged deep cultural ties between Italy and Canada,” said Miraglia Del Giudice. “Her art is a testament to resilience and creativity, and it’s an honour to celebrate her legacy in both countries.”
The exhibition, titled Sveva Caetani: Forma e Frammento, opens October 3, 2025, and runs through January 4, 2026, at MAXXI in Rome.
The series is currently being prepared for shipment, and visitors are invited to view select works at the Caetani Centre before they depart for Italy in July. Guided tours of the Centre are available Saturdays at 11 a.m. or 2 p.m. and Thursdays at 6 p.m.
Note: No tours will be available on July 19 due to the Centre’s annual summer music festival.
Self-guided and scheduled tours will continue throughout the summer. Visit www.caetani.org/tours for details.
