Welcome to the Casa di Paolo De Matteis, located in the heart of the historical centre of the Orria hamlet, Piano del Cilento, today known as Piano Vetrale, in Via Paoluccio della Madonnina. This historic house is the birthplace of one of the greatest artists of the 17th century, Paolo De Matteis.
The Birth of a Genius
On 9 February 1662, Paolo De Matteis, an extraordinary artist known as ‘Paoluccio della Madonnina’, was born within these walls. The nickname probably derived from the delicacy of his mother’s features, nicknamed ‘La Madonnina’, or perhaps because, even as a boy, De Matteis drew faces of madonnas on stones while grazing goats. De Matteis was the only painter from Cilento to cross the courts of half of Europe, bringing with him the beauty and talent of his homeland.
An Event in His Honour: The Golden Brush
Every summer, Piano Vetrale celebrates the great painter with ‘Il Pennello d’Oro’, an event that highlights the artistic excellence of the area. This event began many years ago as a tribute to De Matteis and continues to be a point of reference for artists and art enthusiasts.
My Story
Originally, I was inhabited by several generations of the Di Matteo family. Later, I was bought by Mrs Errico Anna Sofia, and watched her granddaughters Anna Sofia and Rosalinda grow up. Now, unfortunately, I am uninhabited and often feel lonely. However, I rejoice when children and young people from the village come to play on my stairs. Maksym, together with his little sister Maria, who were not born here but come from far away, love to listen to the stories the village women tell about me. Maksym is passionate about drawing, and I like to think that my existence has influenced his creativity, perhaps inspiring him to follow in the footsteps of the great Paolo De Matteis.
A Future as a House-Museum
I have heard that the municipality wants to turn me into a ‘House-Museum’ dedicated to the artistic genius of Paolo De Matteis. This would make me very happy, as I could further contribute to the sensitivity towards art, which has always been a universal language.
A Journey through History and Art
You, traveller, when you come to Piano Vetrale, a place where the walls tell the life, history and culture of a people, you will be able to admire the characteristic murals that make the village a true ‘open-air museum’. Don’t forget to also visit my museum to appreciate the beauty of art and experience the emotion that only colours can convey.
Author of the drawing: Maksym Pidzhrko, 11 years old.
Project coordinators: Domenica and Ornella Mastrogiovanni, Adele Missano.