Architecture: Massimo Listri | Fotografie
Musei Vaticani Under Construction
© Courtesy of the artist Massimo Listri
Written and Photo Edited by Wenjie (Demi) Zhao
Under the azure skies of Monaco, nestled amidst the glittering aura of the city, the Moretti Fine Art opened its doors to Fotografie, a visual feast of architectural photography crafted by the internationally acclaimed Italian photographer, Massimo Listri. From the quiet reverence of libraries to the solemn grandeur of cathedrals and the dignified decay of ancient palaces, each section of Fotografie was a curated journey through time and space, crafting a visual symphony that sang of bygone eras.
Schwetzingen Opera
© Courtesy of the artist Massimo Listri
Massimo Listri, often described as the silent poet of places, creates pictorial sonnets through his photography, establishing a ceaseless dialogue between man and stone. As an Italian photographer recognized for his captivating and evocative depictions of interiors, particularly those of historic edifices, palaces, libraries, and museums, Listri showcases a deep appreciation for architecture, art, and history in his work. His extensive travels to document iconic and enchanting locales worldwide have produced a comprehensive portfolio spanning over four decades.
His lens operates as a key, unlocking doors to the past and inviting viewers to journey through corridors of history, ultimately leading them to marvel at the grand opera of human creation. Through Listri’s eyes, we see the world not just as it is, but as it was, and as it could be — a testament to the timeless power of place and memory. His architectural photography series, which has graced various publications, exhibitions, and private collections globally, continues to inspire and captivate.
Venaria Reale, 2016
© Courtesy of the artist Massimo Listri
A standout piece in the exhibition was a photograph of the elongated corridor of La Venaria Reale — the Gardens and the Castles of La Mandria — in Venaria, Italy. Bathed in soft, ethereal light, the image was a masterstroke of perspective and scale. The hushed grandeur of The Reggia di Venaria, with its ornate arches and checked floors, seemed to hum with a quiet energy, acting as a silent testament to the inexorable passage of time.
Another exhibition highlight was a photograph of the Palazzo Butera in Palermo, Italy. The image plunged the viewer into the heart of this grand mansion, a representative of the Rococo style, with velvety, cobalt blue panelings contrasting against the shimmering chandeliers and the aged floors and tables. Listri’s masterful use of lighting and shadow accentuated the interior’s past grandeur, transforming it into a beautiful monument frozen in time.
Collegio delle Fanciulle a Milano
© Courtesy of the artist Massimo Listri
Palazzo Butera Palermo
© Courtesy of the artist Massimo Listri
As epitomized in Fotografie, Listri’s photography often transcends the hustle and bustle of human activity, presenting a study in solitude and a meditation on spaces that appear suspended between the past, the present, and the future. This quality lends a captivating allure to his work, prompting viewers to pause, contemplate, and feel the echo of centuries past reverberating within these silent spaces. His images trace the footprints of bygone eras, illuminating the enduring majesty in the quiet corners of libraries, the solemn hush of cathedrals, and the dignified decay of palaces. His photographs are a symphony of stone and space, where every ornate archway, every weathered statue, and every pristine corridor narrate a thousand silent tales.
