Elena Salvini Pierallini: Embroidery Exhibition in Florence

Alberto Boralevi is organizing the exhibition Viaggio intorno all’Ago (A Journey Around the Needle) at his gallery in Palazzo Frescobaldi, via di S. Spirito 11, Florence. The exhibition is dedicated to Florentine artist Elena Salvini Pierallini (1934–2024) and is held in collaboration with her daughters, Beatrice and Sibilla Pierallini.

The exhibition opens on 19 June 2025, at 5:00 PM and will be on view from 20 June to 3 July 3 2025, daily from 4:00 to 7:00 PM (closed on Sundays and 24 June 24.

The show presents Elena Salvini Pierallini’s embroidered artworks alongside antique embroideries from different periods and regions — including China, North Africa, Central Asia, Greece, Turkey, England, and Italy — spanning from the late 16th to the early 20th century. It offers a rich exploration of embroidery as both artistic expression and cultural tradition.

Artworks by Elena Salvini Pierallini

“Lady Embroidering” 1975, embroidery and painting on silk cm 47×59

“The Twelve Months“ embroidery and painting on organdie, painting on metal 1986-1990. cm 118×39. Inspired by the sculptures of Benedetto Antelami in the Baptistery of Parma

“Zodiac at the window” (six pictures) embroidery and painting on linen 1982-86 cm 50×47 each inspired by the stained glass windows of the Cathedral of Lausanne

“Birds and spider web” embroidery — “Zodiac at the window” (six pictures) embroidery and painting on linen 1982-86 cm 50×47 each inspired by the stained glass windows of the Cathedral of Lausanne

Elena Salvini Pierallini began her creative path in the 1950s, designing embroidery for her mother’s workshop. Her work evolved into a unique technique combining drawing, painting, and embroidery on silk and organdie. Though she found special recognition in the United States, she also exhibited widely in Italy from the early 1980s onward. In 1995, she left embroidery to pursue other materials and artistic interests, seeking greater creative freedom.

Antique embroideries

Needlepoint table rug in wool, with motifs derived from contemporary Oriental rugs England circa 1650, cm 214×147. In the centre a gallant scene in petit point in wool and silk

Ottoman Empire silk embroidery on linen Türkiye or Greece 17th century cm 188×145

Velvet chasuble with silk and metallic thread embroidery. Italy, second half of the 16th century, 115x55 cm — Ottoman Empire silk embroidery on linen Türkiye or Greece 17th century cm 188×145

Location and contact information: Palazzo Frescobaldi, via di S. Spirito 11, Firenze, alberto@albertoboralevi.it

Further details about the artist can be found at: www.elenasalvinipierallini.it