Cultural Interaction and Artistic Production in Hellenistic Italy: The Sculpture of Pre-Imperial Campania.

01.09.2016 bis 31.01.2018

The project aims to investigate the spread of the Hellenistic figurative culture in Southern Italy between the III and I centuries BC, focusing on the circulation, experimentation, failure and success of particular models and formal solutions in architectural sculpture, ideal sculpture, and portraiture. The modality of the reception of Hellenistic forms and its gradual re-elaboration by local artisans are also related topics I intend to take on. The main objectives are to understand how the new artistic tendencies have been perceived and used, what are the shades of meanings acquired, and what kind of relation exists with the previous traditions. Further, the historical and social dynamics causing this phenomenon will be taken into account.
The abundance of evidence in Campania makes it clear for addressing these issues. In this region, in fact, it is possible to observe an exceptional concentration of pre-Imperial sculpture, that indicates a precocious reception of the Hellenism. The variety of productions, including artifacts in tuff, terracotta and marble, is one of the main features of this transitional phase. It is an experimental period, from which imperial Roman art originates. Recognizing distinct influences, which act together to produce this new figurative culture, will offer fresh insights on this body of material.
Despite its importance, this topic remains understudied. As a consequence, the majority of the pre-Imperial sculptures coming from famous contexts, such as Pompeii or Capua, still have an uncertain chronology. Among the possible examples, I mention In the current project the term Campania signifes the extension of the modern region.