Anselm Kiefer: I wish to die in autumn moonlight even in darkness not to be lost

Running parallel to “The Women Alchemists”, which Kiefer conceived for the Sala delle Cariatidi at
Palazzo Reale (open through September 2026), the exhibition at Lia Rumma further expands his
continued research of the “alchemists”, delving deeper into the role of other female heroines who, over
the centuries, made fundamental contributions to modern science through alchemy. Joining this female
pantheon, painted by Kiefer, are mythological figures such as the muses Calliope and Melpomene,
daughters of Zeus and Mnemosyne. The exhibition title evokes a poem by 19th century Japanese poet,
Buddhist nun, and ceramist Ōtagaki Rengetsu—to whom Kiefer also dedicates a painting which is
presented at the overture of the exhibition.