Dear Antonia,
I write to you from a time that no longer belongs to you, yet in which your presence remains alive and vibrant. In the heart of Lecce, at the Fiermonte Museum, your works and your story continue to inspire all those who cross its threshold. Your life was an extraordinary journey: from Puglia to Rome, then to Paris, following love and art. You loved René Letourneur deeply, and later Jacques Zwobada, and through these relationships, you discovered new dimensions of your creativity. Your home in Fontenay-aux-Roses was a refuge for artists and intellectuals, a place where art and resistance intertwined during dark times.
Your premature passing, at just 42, left a deep void, but also a powerful legacy. Jacques, devastated by grief, dedicated a Mausoleum to you in Mentana, an eternal tribute to your love.
Today, thanks to your grandchildren, your memory is preserved and celebrated. The Fiermontina in Lecce is not only a place of hospitality, but a sanctuary for your art and your story. Your bold choices and passion continue to inspire, reminding us of the value of freedom and authenticity.
With admiration and gratitude,
Aurora Vergari