An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
View in the Roman Forumearly 1650s
Artist: Viviano Codazzi; Artist: Michelangelo Cerquozzi
Italian (Rome), 1603–1670
view in the Roman Forum
50 1/4 x 41 3/8 in. (127.6 x 105.1 cm)
Oil on canvas
Painting
Italy
17th century
Gift of Dr. Alfred Bader
In the heart of an art gallery, where time seems to dwell in the embrace of creativity, hangs a painting that whispers tales of grandeur and imagination. It is a vibrant landscape that invites the viewer to step into a world both ancient and fantastical. This scene unfolds like a dream crafted by the skilled hands of Viviano Codazzi, an artist known for his ability to blend reality with reverie.
As you gaze upon the canvas, your eyes are drawn to the serene ruins that rise in the background: the half-buried Arch of Septimius Severus stands tall, its weathered stones speaking of centuries long past. Nearby, the Palazzo Senatorio, a testament to Roman history, lends a regal air to the composition. Yet, as your gaze shifts to the left foreground, a remarkable sight emerges— a grand arrangement of Corinthian columns, majestic in their elegance, yet entirely the invention of Codazzi's mind.
This deliberate fantasy, or capriccio as it is known, seeks to elevate the remnants of architectural genius, crafting a scene that feels more like a theatrical performance than a mere pastoral landscape. The ambiance is filled with vast possibilities, enhanced by a blending of the sublime and the imagined.
As Codazzi envisioned this world, he felt something was missing—a human touch to breathe life into this mystical setting. But alas, he found himself unequipped for the task of figure painting. Rather than leave his dream incomplete, he turned to Michelangelo Cerquozzi, another artist skilled in bringing figures to life, hiring him to add the finishing strokes.
The completion of this work echoes like a gentle breeze through the gallery, reminding us of the collaborative spirit that often breathes life into art.
Yet, the narrative of this painting does not end with its creation. As years rolled forward, the passage of time began to take its toll. The frame that holds this masterpiece now stands renewed, thanks to the generous contribution from Al and Dena Naylor through the Art Champions program. Their kindness ensures that this enchanting work of imagination continues to inspire all who encounter it, preserving a moment where architecture meets artistry, and reality dances with fantasy.
About the artist
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