A Life of Artistic Excellence
Mary Solari was an Italian-American artist celebrated for her oil and watercolor paintings, specifically focusing on portraits and figures. Born in Calvari, Italy, she moved to Memphis, Tennessee, as a child, where she received her early education. Seeking to deepen her craft, she returned to her native Italy in 1878 to study art. Her dedication led her to become the first woman admitted to the Accademia di Belle Arti of Florence. During her time at the Academy, she earned nine medals and two master's degrees, training in the traditions of the old masters.
Accolades and Advocacy
Solari’s influence extended far beyond the studio. She was a prominent figure at the 1893 World's Fair in Chicago, serving as a judge on the international jury and exhibiting her work at the Woman's Building. Her talent was further recognized at the 1897 Tennessee Centennial, where she secured numerous first prizes in categories including oil painting, watercolor, crayon, landscape, and overall collection. She also received multiple medals at the 1904 St. Louis Exposition.
In her later years in Memphis, she became a dedicated advocate for art education and social reform. She championed the establishment of an art league and a city museum of art, and she was a vocal proponent for prison reform and hospital renovations. A major benefactor to Christian Brothers University, she donated her entire art collection and 176 acres of land to the institution in 1927.
