On the visual memory of the Resistance in Florence

The fourth episode of Rossellini’s film Paisà presents a fictional depiction of the battle for the liberation of Florence from the Germans in August 1944. Rossellini’s episode captures many salient features of the Florentine Resistance, but others are missing, such as the execution of the Italian philosopher Giovanni Gentile in April 1944, the clandestine radio operation known as Radio CoRa, and the anti-partisan operations carried out by the notorious Banda Carità throughout the occupation period. This contribution is inspired by Paul Ginsborg’s long-term interest in the Resistance and the Resistance tradition, as exemplified in the first chapter of A History of Contemporary Italy, as well as in his long-term engagement with individuals such as Vittorio Foa and Claudio Pavone. The chapter considers the long-term legacy of the Resistance in Florence, focussing on its visual impact: monuments, commemorative plaques, and other interventions in public spaces.