Anselm Kiefer's exhibition at Milan's Palazzo Reale showcases paintings dedicated to historical female alchemists who played critical roles in the development of early chemistry and medicine. Despite their significant contributions, these women have remained largely unrecognized throughout history. Kiefer's work reflects on their overlooked contributions not with the aim of seeking late justice for them, but rather as a means of exploring deeper themes of femininity, existence, and creativity.

The Palazzo Reale itself adds another layer of history to the exhibition, as the Hall of Caryatids, where Kiefer's works are displayed, has a rich architectural and historical backdrop. Constructed by Giuseppe Piermarini with windows overlooking the iconic Duomo, the hall was once the setting for grand events, including Napoleon I's coronation banquet. Yet, it also bears the scars of the past, having suffered damage during World War II due to bombing, which resulted in a ceiling collapse that decapitated its Caryatids, further enriching the narrative of beauty intertwined with trauma that Kiefer addresses in his art.

In viewing Kiefer's work, one is not only drawn into an appreciation of the artistic expressions presented but also invited to ponder the dynamic interplay between historical recognition and the contemporary reinterpretation of femininity. Through this exhibition, Kiefer prompts a dialogue about how the stories of women, especially those in realms once deemed peripheral, can reshape our understanding of history and art, offering a fresh perspective on their enduring influence and significance.