Tilman Fertitta former councilor of the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, is the diplomat appointed by Trump as an ambassador in Italy. He selected the works for the residence where he moved with his wife Lauren.
Roy Lichtenstein, Frederic Remington, John Singer Sargent, Hans Hofmann. Are some of the most iconic US artistswhose works have been selected byWashington Ambassador to Rome Tilman J. Fertitta for the preparation of the new collection of Villa Taverna, his residence in the capital.
Fertitta, former member of the Council of the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston, has been promoting for some time The role of art in public life and diplomacy. And the collection of Villa Taverna, created in collaboration with the director of the Museum, Gary Tinteraow, and in the context of the Art Program in Embassie of the State Department, reflects the belief of the Ambassador who Art is “a bridge between cultures”.
“Since we arrived in Rome, Lauren and I felt incredibly welcomed,” said Fertitta. “It was a privilege Give new life to Villa Tavernaa place full of history and meaning in relations between the United States and Italy. One of my first objectives was to create an art collection that captured the variety and dynamism of American creativity. These works They tell a story not only on the United States, but also on the spirit we share with our Italian friends“.
Already before moving to the new residence, last July 10, 2025, the fertite ambassador coordinated a series of renovations, then with his wife Lauren He welcomed thousands of guests for the reception of the day of independence. On that occasion, many were able to admire the works of the new collection.
“It is an honor for me to represent the president Trump in Italy”, continues the ambassador. “Having Italian origins, it is a real honor to live and serve in this extraordinary country. Lauren and I are proud to call Villa Taverna Casa and we can’t wait to use this context for strengthen the profound friendship between the United States and Italy, through collaboration, culture and mutual respect“.
Texan of Galveston, 68 years old, descendant of a Sicilian family from Cefalù, emigrated to the United States at the end of the nineteenth century, two weddings and four children, fertitta is not a first hour Trumpian, but has financed the republican campaign with conviction and has conquered the Tycon with “a mixture of frankness, cunning and complacency” as they report some sources close to the white house. Trump was struck by the story of Self Made Man who brought fertitta to success starting from the Galveston family restaurant, and without completing his studies: For Forbes Fertitta it is today “the richest restaurateur in the world” with an estimated assets in 10.7 billion dollars. It has hundreds of restaurants and the Luxury Ladry’s hotel chain.
Carlo Franza