Città in Arte

Based in Lodi, Italy, Franchina Tresoldi – Città in Arte is an artist and artisan whose distinctive and original body of work brings together printmaking, engraving, and ceramics, drawing inspiration from Italian cities, historic squares, old towns, monuments, and urban landscapes.

Her artistic language is rooted in aquatint, etching, fine art prints and hand-decorated ceramics, transforming the memory of a place into an image and a material object. Each piece reflects her deeply personal vision, shaped by her craftsmanship, precision and strong connection to Italy’s cultural heritage.

She began her creative journey in graphic design in the 1960s, gradually evolving into printmaking and a broader exploration of handcrafted techniques. She develops her works from photographs taken by herself and carefully translates them into prints and ceramics through a meticulous manual process that highlights the value of the handmade gesture and the quality of each piece.

Her most iconic creations are Ciottolo di Città and Ciottolo del Parco, born from the simple yet poetic idea of turning humble river stones into small works of art to be collected, gifted and enjoyed. Featuring historic centres, architecture, animals, trees, and flowers, these pieces create a collection that combines beauty, place-based identity, and authentic craftsmanship.

Her portfolio also encompasses original prints, functional porcelain pieces, and artistic ceramics, all of which are crafted with meticulous attention to detail and are designed for cultural, museum, and gift shop contexts. Her work can be found in select cultural venues and museum stores, affirming the value of a practice that speaks through quality, consistency and a strong sense of Italian identity.