Maddalena Arzione (1851-1921) works with her brothers in the family paper making business, then retires, being able to live comfortably. In her will she decides to divide her assets between various charitable and welfare institutions, including the Ospedale Maggiore. The commission of the portrait is entrusted to Carlo Parmeggiani, who, however, is relieved of his duties when Raffaele Borella asks to be able to replace him, as a relative of the benefactor. Parmeggiani accepts, however, praying that the Hospitaller Council "should not forget it on a future occasion". The work is among the last performed by Borella in Italy before his final in Uruguay. The subject alludes to the generous hospitality offered by the benefactor in her villa in Cittiglio (Varese) to some children whose fathers were at the front during the First World War.
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