Located in the medieval village of Aielli, Italy. Speranza, depicts an Italian woman from 1980 as she prepares to leave her homeland to immigrate to America. Her expression captures both uncertainty about the future and hope of the chance at a better life.

She clothes her boarding ticket to her chest and carries only an old leather bag, holding only the essentials: thirty lire, a loaf of bread, and a small card depicting the Madonna di Victoria. The rosary hanging from the bag reflects her devotion to God and the religious traditions that Italian immigrants carried with them to the United States.

Tucked into her bag is a red fire lily, a flower native to Abruzzo and symbolic of resilience and survival- thriving even when removed from its roots, just as she will strive to flourish in a foreign land while carrying her heritage with her.

Speranza, meaning “hope”, honors the sacrifice and strength of Italian immigrants who crossed the ocean in search of new beginnings. It invites Italian Americans to reconnect with their roots and to remember their ancestors courage.

Commissioned by Ernesto Salvi in partnership with Borgo Universo. August 2025.

📍Located at Via S.Rocco, 1, 67041 Aielli AQ, Italy