Alla ricerca della Testa di Giuda

Could historical-archival research be likened to a captivating mystery waiting to be unraveled, complete with misunderstandings and false leads, all in pursuit of shedding light on a significant 20th-century episode involving a drawing attributed to Leonardo?

This is precisely the approach embraced by Massimo Signorini, a distinguished musician with a profound passion for Livorno's history. His book stems from extensive research across national archives and libraries, culminating in the discovery of a "notification of interest" addressed to the artist Giacomo Nunes from Livorno by the Italian Government, concerning a drawing purportedly by Leonardo depicting a Judas head.

In this riveting journey spanning the early decades of the 20th century, a myriad of characters intersected: collectors, scholars, art directors, and critics, all amidst an Italy brimming with intellectual vigor and cultural opportunities, albeit overshadowed by the tightening grip of fascist dictatorship, racial laws, and war.

The narrative paints a vivid portrait of the Nunes family, each member contributing their unique qualities and essential identity amidst encounters with the worlds of culture and international commerce.