Maria Brignole Sale was born in Genoa in 1811, the last descendant of one of the city’s most important families. In 1828, she married the Marquis Raffaele De Ferrari, later Duke of Galliera, a Genoese banker and key figure in European finance of the time.

They mainly lived in Paris, where Maria hosted a vibrant salon, well-connected to French society and politics, while Raffaele pursued significant financial initiatives in France, Italy, the Austrian Empire, and Spain, amassing an immense fortune.

However, their bond with Genoa remained strong, as reflected in their numerous donations to the city. Raffaele donated a vast sum of 20 million lire to the Italian State for the modernization of Genoa’s port, but it was Maria who allocated much of her wealth to charitable works.

In 1874, the Duchess gifted Palazzo Rosso, the Brignole Sale family home since the 17th century, to the city of Genoa, along with an exceptional collection of artworks gathered over two centuries. This was done “to publicly express sentiments of love for the city of Genoa and zeal for all that could enhance the dignity and benefit of its inhabitants,” and to perpetuate the memory of her illustrious lineage.

Through the charitable foundation Opera Pia De Ferrari Brignole Sale, Maria also founded and financed three hospitals, including today's Galliera Hospital, one of the city's major medical facilities. She promoted the creation of numerous support institutions for the poor, the elderly, children, and orphaned girls.

She bequeathed her family’s large villa in Voltri, now known as Villa Duchessa di Galliera, in perpetual legacy to the Opera Pia and eventually to the city. Today, it is the westernmost and largest historic park in Genoa.

Upon her death in 1888, Maria bequeathed Palazzo Bianco to the city "for the establishment of a public gallery" to display works from the civic art collection, which was in formation at the time but had no dedicated home.

The Municipality of Genoa honors Maria Brignole Sale De Ferrari with a beautiful marble bust that welcomes visitors at the entrance of Palazzo Rosso, commemorating her extraordinary life, her family’s legacy, and her immense generosity.