Background
Alma Dolens was born to a wealthy Umbrian family in 1876.
Alma Dolens was born to a wealthy Umbrian family in 1876.
"Alma Dolens" is a combination of the Italian alma meaning "soul" or "heart" (evolved from Latin anima) with the Latin participle dolens meaning "pained" or "grieving". The name can thus be translated as "sorrowful heart" or "heavy heart", and is thought to refer to her feelings surrounding militarism and war.