The art exhibition, Souvenirs of Ruin: Piranesi and the Birth of Western Tourism, organized by Emily Angelucci, a Dickinson student, will showcase the Italian artist’s romanticized perspectives of Roman ruins.
The exhibition will also include pieces of the Parthenon, sarcophagi, and statuary that were brought home by Elliot during his Mediterranean travels. These artifacts allow visitors to see how the Grand Tourists shared a desire for tangible connections to the ancient world.
Piranesi’s prints were often inspired by the travel to Europe during the eighteenth century, and some tourists brought home an engraving by Piranesi as a commemorate of their experiences. This exhibition aims to highlight the work of Piranesi, one of the most important portraitists of the late 17th century, and to showcase his vision of the ancient world.
The exhibition will open on November 10 at 5 pm and will be free to attend. The opening reception will take place from 5 pm to 7 pm.