Visions of Antiquity in the 18th Century brings together prints, drawings, and objects from the DMA’s collection that reflect the taste for all things Greek and Roman during the 18th century. This was a period of great interest in ancient civilizations, as the discovery of archaeological ruins, such as Pompeii in 1748, stimulated enthusiasm for antiquarianism. The constant stream of tourists supported a booming market for printed and drawn images of Roman views, such as the etchings by Giovanni Battista Piranesi on view in this exhibition. The interest in the style à l’antique gave rise to incredible artistic fertility in the 1700s, influencing architecture, decorative arts, painting and sculpture, fashion, festival decorations, and prints. The works displayed at the DMA provide a snapshot of this period of discovery and intense curiosity about classical antiquity.
Focus Installation
Admission is FREE
Images: Giovanni Battista Piranesi, The Arch of Titus with the Casino Farnese on the Left, Paris, 1835-1839, etching, Dallas Museum of Art, gift of Mrs. C.P. Tyler 1942.106; Hubert Robert, Hermit in the Colosseum, 1790, oil on canvas, Lent by the Michael L. Rosenberg Foundation 29.2004.2; Josiah Wedgwood Factory. Plaque (Sacrifice to Hymen), c. 1787, stoneware, Dallas Museum of Art, gift of Carl Niendorff 2012.59.6; Giovanni Battista Piranesi, Temple of Clitumnus between Fulgino and Spoleto, 1748, etching, Dallas Museum of Art, bequest of Rozwell Sam Adams in memory of Herndon Kimball Adams and Loither Iler Adams 2001.42.3; Jacques-Louis David, Draped Figure, late 18th Century, pencil drawing, Dallas Museum of Art, bequest of Rozwell Sam Adams in memory of Herndon Kimball Adams and Loither Iler Adams 2001.19; Giovanni Battista Piranesi, View of the upper storey of the Cages for Wild Animals built by the Emperor Domitian, associated with the Flian Amphitheater and commonly called the Curia Hostilia, c. 1760-1778, etching, Dallas Museum of Art, Foundation for the Arts, The Alfred and Juanita Bromberg Collection, bequest of Juanita K. Bromberg 2000.174.FA