La Cité Bleue presents the exhibition “Dal volto, l’anima,” an immersion into the photographic world of Gianfranco Lelj and his unique perspective on Sophia Loren. Through a selection of photographs taken on the set of the film *Una giornata particolare*, some of which are large-format prints, the exhibition reveals an intimate and previously unseen side of Sophia Loren, capturing her elegance, sensitivity, and humanity.
The photographs from this film are in black and white: this aesthetic choice, made at the request of Ettore Scola, helped create a unique, timeless atmosphere that enhanced the story and the actors’ performances. The exhibition highlights these magical moments from the shoot, where grandeur and intimacy intertwine.
Visitors can discover Sophia Loren’s transformation into Antonietta, as well as her dynamic with Marcello Mastroianni. The exhibition is a celebration not only of the film, but also of the art of cinema and photography, an invitation to rediscover Sophia Loren through the attentive and poetic eye of Lelj, a master of photography.
Most of these works are on display for the first time; only a selection had previously been shown in Monte Carlo in 2003. Visitors to the exhibition at La Cité Bleue thus have a unique opportunity to admire these previously unseen photographs.
In addition, a dedicated section presents some twenty iconic portraits from Lelj’s career. This series includes famous conductors, musicians, and opera singers, such as Raina Kabaivanska, José Cura, Renato Bruson, and Zubin Mehta, as well as other portraits of renowned figures, offering a varied and dynamic perspective on his work.
This exhibition is a celebration of the art of photography, a tribute to the talent of Gianfranco Lelj, and an invitation to discover the beauty hidden behind each face immortalized by his lens. The installations have been designed to create a hushed and intimate atmosphere, highlighting the depth and subtlety of the images.