Delon gave worldwide renown to a local Renaissance masterwork by Piero della Francesca, the Madonna del Parto, thanks to the 1972 movie Indian Summer (La prima notte di quiete).
The tiny hilltop town’s beautiful 15th-century fresco suddenly became popular after the film in which Delon, whose death at 88 was announced on Sunday, played a professor who urged his students to visit the masterpiece, explaining its history and how it was commissioned to Piero della Francesca by the population.
The film, directed by Valerio Zurlini, also alludes to the fact that the artist is thought to have painted the picture for a tiny countryside chapel shortly after his mother’s death in 1459, possibly as a tribute to her, a town native.
After the film hit movie theatres, Monterchi suddenly became a popular tourist destination, recalled its mayor, Alfredo Romanelli.
“Monterchi is grateful to Delon,” he said.
“The news of Alain’s passing has saddened me greatly,” said Italian cinema legend Sophia Loren.
“Before being a colleague, he was a dear friend.
“I will always love you.
“Ciao Alain. Sophia Loren,” concluded the screen diva, who will turn ninety in September.
Meanwhile, Italian film legend Claudia Cardinale paid homage to the French actor who was her co-star in Luchino Visconti’s The Leopard (Il Gattopardo).
She told ANSA that “the ball is over”, evoking an iconic scene in the movie in which the celebrated pair danced.
Citing their characters’ names in the 1963 movie, Cardinale said, “Tancredi has risen to dance with the stars - forever your Angelica”.
The actress added that her “sadness is too intense” for words.
ANSA