• the artist
• the artworks

“I searched for myself in Elena in every light, through all possible matters. Chalk, wax, bronze, wood were instruments for me to freeze a state of mind or an aspect of our mutual attempt to complete each other" (Leonetto Tintori).

Elena Berruti was born on May 23th 1909 in Montevarchi. Daughter of a French teacher at Liceo "F. Cicognini" in Prato, she attended the "Scuola d'Arte e Mestieri Leonardo", where she was distinguished for her remarkable artistic skills. There she knew Leonetto Tintori and, abandoned the idea of continuing her academic studies, became his lifetime partner. Elena collaborated on Leonetto's restoration works and followed him in all of his journeys without interrupting her artistic activity. Elena loved to paint in a world made of light, sea, sky and green, in her living places: Figline and Quercianella, a seaside resort on the Livornese coast.

The Vainella house-museum contains many Elena's paintings Elena Berutti's Gallery, as the garden is full of Leonetto's sculptures.

“People's respect of nature and Elena's care bestowed such an happy and luxuriant look on the wild ground that the sculptures disappear into the bushes. Only the Ark, unseparable partner of its defenders, the high cypresses, doesn't let the bushes hide it” (Leonetto Tintori). L’Arca pensata in un primo tempo come semplice ripostiglio è divenuta l’estremo rifugio.
The Ark, thought at first as a simple shed, has become last shelter.

Elena died at her home at Vainella on August 1987, her ashes rest in the Ark.