Palazzo Coronini Cronberg is a historic residence in the city of Gorizia, home to the Fondazione Palazzo Coronini Cronberg since 1990.
The Foundation was established at the behest of the last member of the family, Count Guglielmo Coronini Cronberg, with the aim of opening his considerable heritage to the entire city.
Palazzo Coronini Cronberg
Palazzo Coronini Cronberg was probably built between 1593 and 1598, although there are no certain references regarding the dates.
The design of the residence, commissioned by Carlo Zengraf, secretary of the Provincial States on behalf of the House of Austria, is attributed to the architect Giulio Baldigara.
On October 7, 1820, the Palace was purchased by Count Michele Coronini Cronberg, who renovated it, significantly expanding its spaces.
Only many years later, following the end of World War II, did Count Guglielmo begin to consider the idea of turning the family residence into a museum.
The project took shape, as per his wishes, after his death, which occurred in Vienna on September 13, 1990.
The Fortepiano of the Counts, a fascinating story
Recently, the Foundation launched a fundraising project on its Artsupp.com profile aimed at the restoration of an extremely fascinating piece included in the collection: an 18th-century fortepiano, of unknown origin but carrying with it some extremely suggestive hypotheses about its history.
Based on its shape, extension, and dimensions, it could be compared to those made by Anton Walter, Andreas Stein, and Michael Weis, the main builders of such instruments in the German and Austrian context.
The fortepiano also resembles the one depicted in the portrait of Charlotte Cobenzl, displayed in one of the rooms of the Palace. The Cobenzl family was related to the Coronini, and upon the death without direct descendants of their last member, Giovanni Luigi, all the assets were inherited by Michele Coronini Cronberg.
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Adding to the charm of the instrument, it should be noted that Charlotte was one of the first students of Mozart and her salon, frequented by artists, musicians, and literati, was quite renowned in the high society of Vienna.
It could therefore be plausible that the Fortepiano comes from the assets of the Cobenzl family.
The restoration, to which all citizens of Gorizia and beyond can contribute concretely, is the only way to solve this and all the other mysteries surrounding it, recovering its enormous historical and cultural value, as well as its musicological significance.
Every contribution received will be fundamental for the repair and consolidation of the instrument, restoring it to its former glory and ensuring that future generations can appreciate its history and music.
An invaluable collection
The Coronini family was one of the oldest and most influential noble families in the city and, not by chance, significantly contributed to the development of the arts, literature, and even music.
Count Guglielmo, in particular, always passionate about art history, traveled through Italy and Europe, acquiring various art objects that today constitute the collection of the Palace.
The restoration of the Fortepiano of the Counts and its subsequent inclusion in the museum’s exhibition path would represent a victory for the institution itself and for the entire city of Gorizia and its audience.
