First thing that I realized upon seeing where this image was from and when was that this woman would likely have been a victim of the Italian fascist genocide of gypsies. Things really worsened for them under Mussolini when he got into power only 3 years later.
Unfortunately Roma and other Travellers (the g word for them is considered a slur unless being reclaimed by one of their own) were (and still are) persecuted across Europe with little to no exception, so she likely faced violence and hate throughout her life, wherever she was (but I agree, it’s poignant to think about).
The fact that she was documented at all, especially by someone outside of their community, is incredible in its own right.
I would substitute Romani, for the g word but for it being the original title. I do find they feature more in 18-19th century work as a romantic/bohemian ideal, but it tapers off into eh 20th century when nationalism rises.
I don’t see an issue with the title, because as you say, it’s the name of the piece, and also part of history. Someone using the word today is a different story.
