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Isotta Ingrid Frieda Giuliana Rossellini, born on June 18, 1952, in Rome, Italy, is an accomplished literary scholar, author, and professor. Though she comes from a family known for its impact on cinema—being the daughter of legendary Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman and renowned Italian director Roberto Rossellini—Isotta carved her own path in the world of academia. She is also the twin sister of actress and model Isabella Rossellini.
Growing up in a household that revolved around film and art, Isotta was exposed to a rich cultural environment from a young age. However, unlike her twin sister, she chose a different path, pursuing literature and academia rather than acting.
She moved to the United States for her education and attended Columbia University in New York City, where she obtained her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. in Italian Literature. Her research focused on medieval and Renaissance literature, particularly the works of Francesco Petrarch and Dante Alighieri. Under the guidance of distinguished scholars Maristella Lorch and Luciano Rebay, her doctoral dissertation examined the themes and structure of Petrarch’s Il Canzoniere, which was later published in 1995 under the title Nel Trapassar del Segno: Idoli della Mente ed Echi della Vita nei Rerum Vulgarium Fragmenta.
After completing her education, Dr. Isotta Rossellini embarked on a successful career as a professor and literary scholar. She has taught at several prestigious institutions, including:
- Columbia University – As an adjunct professor, she taught Italian literature and Renaissance studies.
- New York University (NYU) – She contributed to the study of classical and modern Italian literature.
- Harvard University– Her lectures included discussions on World War II Italian cinema and the influence of Neorealism, a movement closely associated with her father’s films.
- Princeton University – She taught courses on Italian literary and social thought, focusing on works that reflect societal changes and cultural evolution.
Her expertise in Italian Renaissance literature and her deep analysis of Petrarch and Dante have made her a respected scholar in the field.
In addition to her academic work, Isotta Rossellini has authored several essays and scholarly articles that explore literature, history, and personal reflections on her family’s legacy. She has a unique ability to connect classical literature with contemporary themes, making her work relevant and engaging for both scholars and general readers.
Isotta Rossellini has balanced her academic career with family life. She was first married to Alberto Acciarito, with whom she has a son, Tommaso Rossellini (born in 1979). In 1990, she married Richard Aborn, a prominent American lawyer known for his work in criminal justice reform. The couple has a daughter, Francesca Aborn, born in 1992. They reside in New York City, where Isotta continues her scholarly pursuits.
Though she comes from a family famous for cinema, Isotta Rossellini has built a distinguished career of her own in the world of literature and education. Her dedication to Italian Renaissance studies, her insightful analysis of classical texts, and her contributions to academia have earned her respect as a scholar.
By choosing to focus on literature and teaching, rather than following in her family’s film legacy, Isotta has proven that intellectual pursuits can be just as impactful as artistic ones. Her work continues to inspire students and scholars alike, ensuring that the rich tradition of Italian literature and Renaissance thought remains alive for future generations.
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