The first female museum director in Italy
Her influence extends far beyond the walls of the Pinacoteca di Brera, where she serves as director from 1940 to 1957, connecting the worlds of art, design and fashion.
During the dark era of Nazism, Wittgens does not hesitate to risk her own life to protect both artworks and persecuted people. Thanks to her position as director of the Pinacoteca di Brera, she manages to hide masterpieces by artists such as Raffaello and Tiziano within the museum’s walls, saving them from Nazi looting.
Fernanda Wittgens plays a key role in the post-war reconstruction of Teatro alla Scala in Milan and the restoration of Leonardo da Vinci’s fresco The Last Supper.
Beyond her role as a director, she is also a prolific writer and art critic. Her writings, marked by profound knowledge and a keen aesthetic sensitivity, have a significant impact on the artistic criticism of her time.
Every Fernanda tote bag is a masterpiece of craftsmanship and design that evokes the innovative spirit and visionary outlook of Fernanda Wittgens.
Designed for the needs of everyday life, Fernanda offers practicality without leaving behind Franzi’s discreet and sophisticated style.
