He provided illustrations for Dante’s Divine Comedy, drew for children’s books including Peter Pan and created images of the Virgin Mary that have contemporary appeal. The Marian Library’s newest exhibit highlights the work of artist Ezio Anichini.

“Anichini has fallen into relative obscurity, but his career was expansive,” said Sarah Cahalan, Marian Library director. “He created images during a turbulent era of Italian history, which included two costly world wars and decades of social and political upheaval. This exhibit offers an introduction into Anichini’s life and examines visual themes that persisted throughout his creative career.”

A Vision of Art and Faith: The Litany of Loreto and the Work of Ezio Anichini is free and open to the public weekdays April 4 to Aug. 26 in the gallery on the seventh floor of Roesch Library on the University of Dayton campus. 

The exhibit includes two pieces on display for the first time outside Europe. The intricately embroidered reproductions of Anichini illustrations in gold thread, filoselle and fine floss are on loan from the Royal School of Needlework in London. A rare book, Litanie della Madonna with Anichini illustrations from 1912, also is included from the Marian Library collections. The rest of the exhibit draws on the collection and expertise of collector John Shaffer.

More information on the exhibit, including hours and holiday closures, is available online.