From Tears to Triumph: Iannaccone’s Milanese Awakening

Giuseppe Iannaccone’s journey to becoming a prominent Milanese art collector began with an unexpected emotional upheaval. The current exhibition at the Royal Palace, showcasing 80 contemporary artists, including works from his extensive collection (numbering over 450 pieces), serves as a testament to his profound connection with the city and its artistic soul. The placement of Francesco Vezzoli’s works, known for their exploration of emotion, at the exhibition’s entrance is no accident, reflecting Iannaccone’s own emotional introduction to Milan.

Iannaccone recalls his arrival in Milan at the age of 16, a stark contrast to his previous life in Naples and Bari. “In September 1972, my father was transferred… I really, really cried for the first and only time,” he recounts. The family’s new home,a concrete complex amidst a developing industrial area,felt isolating. However,this initial despair paved the way for a deep appreciation of Milan.

milan gave me a lot,and I wanted it to notice my collection too.
Giuseppe Iannaccone

The Tram Ride to Enlightenment: Parini and the Embrace of Milan

Attending the prestigious Parini high school proved transformative. The long commute on tram number 2 became a ritual, the sound of the tram cutting through the morning fog a symbol of the city’s hidden beauty. This experience, coupled with the friendships he forged, fostered a growing affection for Milan.

Even experiences like watching football games from the highest tier of the stadium, shrouded in fog, contributed to his understanding of the city’s character.While not a supporter of Milan or Inter (his heart belongs to Napoli),Iannaccone acknowledges the cultural importance of the San Siro stadium,immortalized in Vecchioni’s song “Luci a San Siro.”

St. Siro remains. A name that vecchioni has made immortal with “lights in San Siro”
Giuseppe Iannaccone

From Law to Legacy: The Collector’s Pursuit of Truth

Iannaccone’s success as a penal lawyer provided the financial means to cultivate his passion for art. His collection, which began in the early 90s, is driven by a desire to capture “the truth of the human soul.” This pursuit is evident in the current exhibition, which explores diverse traditions, perspectives, and human experiences through the lens of the “black figure.”

Milan’s Mayor Sala has expressed the city’s gratitude to Iannaccone, recognizing his foundation’s commitment to art as a shared asset and a tool for social growth. This recognition,Iannaccone says,is akin to receiving the Golden Ambrogino,Milan’s highest civic honor.

His first book, “An Love Hunt. Italian art between the two wars in the Giuseppe Iannaccone collection” (2010), details the growth of his collection alongside his flourishing legal career. The collection reflects Milan’s own constant transformation and improvement.

The Meazza Debate and Maradona’s Influence

While Iannaccone acknowledges the debate surrounding the potential demolition of the Meazza stadium (San Siro), he also appreciates the renaming of Napoli’s stadium to honor Diego Armando Maradona. He even commissioned artists to create works dedicated to the legendary footballer, which he keeps in his Piazza San Babila study.

The debate surrounding stadium renovations and demolitions is a common one in many major cities. For example, in London, the redevelopment of Tottenham Hotspur’s White Hart Lane into a modern stadium sparked similar discussions about preserving history versus embracing progress.

A City transfigured: Birolli and the Milanese Eldorado

Reflecting on his artistic journey, Iannaccone highlights the works of Renato Birolli, who transformed the stark Milanese suburbs into an “Eldorado” through his vibrant use of color. This transformation mirrors Iannaccone’s own journey from initial despair to a deep appreciation for the city.

Iannaccone’s story is a testament to the transformative power of art and the enduring connection between individuals and their cities. His collection serves as a mirror reflecting Milan’s soul, its struggles, and its enduring beauty.