Fidenza Remembers Ro Marcenaro with The Italian Constitution IllustratedExhibition

The city of Fidenza is hosting a special exhibition dedicated to the work and legacy of Italian cartoonist, illustrator, animator, and satirist Ro Marcenaro (1937–2020).

Entitled “La Costituzione Italiana Illustrata” (The Italian Constitution Illustrated), the exhibition opened on 29 May 2026 at the Sala di Via Costa 8 (OF Orsoline) and will remain on display until 14 June 2026.

Organized by the Municipality of Fidenza, ANPI Fidenza, and the cultural association Lepidus, the exhibition showcases Marcenaro’s remarkable visual interpretation of the Italian Constitution, transforming complex legal principles into engaging illustrations accessible to readers of all ages.

A Pioneer of Italian Cartooning and Animation

Born in Genoa in 1937, Ro Marcenaro became one of Italy’s most versatile and influential visual storytellers.

His career spanned animation, illustration, political satire, publishing, television, and journalism. Between 1958 and 1974, he created numerous animated advertising films that became part of Italy’s collective memory, including the famous plasticine-based Fernet Branca commercials.

Throughout his career, Marcenaro collaborated with leading Italian newspapers and broadcasters, established his own animation studio, and produced award-winning works ranging from political satire to educational and cultural projects.

Bringing the Constitution to Life Through Art

The idea behind “The Italian Constitution Illustrated” was born in 2016 to mark the 70th anniversary of the Italian Constitution.

Rather than presenting constitutional articles through legal language alone, Marcenaro translated them into drawings, making civic values and democratic principles easier to understand, particularly for younger generations.

The project reflected his deep commitment to democracy, civic responsibility, and social awareness. Through humor, symbolism, and visual storytelling, he sought to make the Constitution a living document rather than a distant legal text.

An Artist Honored by the International Cartoon Community

Ro Marcenaro’s influence extended far beyond Italy. His work earned recognition across Europe and within the global cartoon community.

In 2019, he was honored as a Special Guest at the World Humor Awards, one of the most prestigious international events celebrating humor and cartoon art.

The exhibition in Fidenza not only celebrates his artistic achievements but also serves as a tribute to a creator who devoted his life to communicating ideas through drawings and who believed in the power of art to educate, inspire, and encourage civic engagement.

Exhibition Details

Exhibition: La Costituzione Italiana Illustrata
Artist: Ro Marcenaro
Venue: Sala di Via Costa 8, OF Orsoline, Fidenza, Italy
Dates: 29 May – 14 June 2026
Opening: 29 May 2026, 17:00
Admission: Free

As visitors explore Marcenaro’s illustrations, they are invited not only to rediscover the Italian Constitution through art, but also to remember one of the great figures of Italian cartooning whose legacy continues to inspire new generations of artists and readers.