An important new donation has enhanced the collections of the Byron and Risorgimento Museums with two valuable historical documents that will further enrich the already extensive and remarkable holdings of the museums.
Giordano Angelini and his wife, Carla Bassi, have donated to the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Ravenna, chaired by Mirella Falconi Mazzotti, two original posters of exceptional historical and documentary significance.
The first is an order issued by the Imperial Royal Regency of Romagna, signed by General Count Clenau on behalf of Austrian Emperor Francis II. The document states that, “in order to prevent the disastrous consequences of anarchy,” Ravenna would be restored to the authority it had held before the Revolution over all the cities and territories of Romagna. As things had been under Papal rule, all offices and treasuries pertaining to the Treasury would return to Ravenna, while the other cities would once again become subordinate to the Regency and Judiciary of Ravenna, as would the populations of Romagna that had previously depended upon it.
The second document is an edict issued by Cardinal Rivarola that drastically restricted the operation of bettole (taverns). During the period of counter-revolution, such establishments were regarded as dangerous places where revolutionary ideas could circulate and rebels could organise themselves.
One of the galleries of the Risorgimento Museum—specifically the room featuring the interactive chessboard—is dedicated to this edict. By activating Cardinal Rivarola’s move within the multimedia installation, visitors can explore the story of the closure of the taverns. The donation of this original document by the Angelini family now provides an important documentary confirmation of that historical narrative.
Present at the donation ceremony were Giordano Angelini, a member of the Board of Directors of Cassa di Ravenna S.p.A., and his wife Carla Bassi; Mirella Falconi Mazzotti, President of the Fondazione Cassa di Risparmio di Ravenna; Antonio Patuelli, President of Cassa di Ravenna and a strong supporter of the museums; and Giancarlo Bagnariol, Secretary General of the Foundation.
The Byron and Risorgimento Museums were open on 2nd June during their regular hours, from 10am to 6pm. Beginning at 11am, visitors could also view the exhibition of drawings created by students of the Coconino Spring School.
