Location: Apartments of the Duke of Aosta – first floor
By Umberto Noni, this painting was completed in 1931, at a time in which Prince Amedeo, Duke of Aosta resided at Miramare. In fact, he wanted to hang it in Maximilian’s Library, set up as his own private study.
Vibrant colours and clean draughtsmanship make this piece quite captivating. Stylistically, it is in line with the posters and magazine covers made by the artist in his fruitful career as a poster designer and illustrator.
At the centre of the composition is a globe, surrounded by objects related to the art of maritime navigation and the history of exploration. The sides are filled by a long spiral scroll featuring the names of famous Italian explorers – a clear reflection of the nationalism of the time.
Below the globe, Latin lettering reads: Fide Enixi Robore Tentavere (Based on faith, they tried with force). The initials of the phrase refer to the motto of the House of Savoy, FERT, which was and still is an enigma, here interpreted as a reference to feats accomplished with faith and force.
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