The history of Rome illustrated by Ludovico Pogliaghi

La Ambrosian Art Gallery hosts a fascinating exhibition dedicated to Ludovico Pogliaghimultifaceted artist of the 19th century, whose extraordinary plates shaped the first volume of the work The History of Italydedicated entirely to the Ancient Rome.

The exhibited works, originally presented at the1884 Turin National Exhibitionare a unique example of how art can become an instrument of historical narration and of popular education. With rigour and sensitivity, Pogliaghi reconstructs episodes ranging from the Italic origins to the fall of theWestern Roman Empireoffering visitors a reading that is not only epic but also deeply human and introspective.

The tables are distinguished by the meticulous attention to the details, to the costumes, at architectures and the environments of the time, the result of careful antiquarian studies conducted by the artist in iconic locations such as Rome e Pompeii. Their visual rendering, designed to be translated into engravings and printed using state-of-the-art photomechanical techniques, also reflects the influence of great European history painting, in particular of Jean-Léon Gérôme e Lawrence Alma-Tadema.

This exhibition not only celebrates the artistry of Pogliaghi, but invites reflection on the value of historical memoryhighlighting how the ancient can still speak to the present and stimulate new interpretations. An itinerary that weaves art, history and cultureoffering the public an immersive and highly suggestive experience.