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People.
Group portraits from Van Dyck to De Chirico
Group
portraits, portrait photographs in sepia through to
glossy black and white, priceless canvases by
celebrated Masters of the sixteenth century,
futurist and surrealist representations of political
groups and ideological concepts linked to these,
several examples of exotic painting from the
post-Columbian Americas: the impressive exhibition
which takes place in Palazzo Venezia offers all this
and more. The original idea which inspired the
curators, celebrated semiologist, Omar Calabrese,
and Claudio Strinati, Superintendent of Rome's
museums, springs from an analysis of the group,
intended not only as a chance and momentary coming
together of people, but above all as conceptual
representation. The curators believe that group
portraits constitute the ultimate pursuit of
collective identity. The image portrayed by the
group - whether it be a painting or a photograph,
commissioned or arising simply from an idea by the
artist - serves to reaffirm its role and certain
values. In relation to the group, the work has a
precise representative function: from family
continuity and inheritance of goods, from a public
sense of affirmation of power to a new political and
social dawn, from the expression of ethical,
aesthetic or aristocratic values to the mythicizing
of an entire social class.
The
iconography of collective identity is thus explored
through a thematic exhibition, which offers visitors
an ample selection of emblematic works by artists of
the calibre of Van Dyck, Tintoretto, Carracci,
Lanfranco, Pellizza da Volpedo, Carrą. The
exhibition is divided into several different
sections. It opens with portraits of ecclesiastical
and aristocratic hierarchies, followed by images of
affirmation of power and cohesion of the group. Two
large sections are dedicated to social advancement
and cultural affirmation respectively. A further
section is devoted to portraits of cultural
outsiders, from beggars to religious minorities,
while the last two sections are dedicated to
collective identity and the group against the
individual.
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Persone.
Ritratti di gruppo da Van Dyck a De Chirico
Rome,
Palazzo Venezia
until 15 February 2004
opening times: Tuesday to Sunday 10 am - 7 pm
Closed Mondays
Ticket price: Full price 9 euros, Concessions 7
euros, School groups 4 euros
For information and bookings
800-831606
Links
The
official website
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