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Metamorphosis
of the Myth
After
dedicating several big events to painters such as Strozzi and
Van Dyck (with another important exhibition on Rubens being
prepared) the Palazzo Ducale in Genoa continues its exploration
of the Baroque period in the Genoa area. In fact, this was the
most fertile and admirable artistic period: hence the scientific
committee of the Palazzo planned this exhibition dedicated to
mythological subjects, resulting above all from interpretations
of Ovid's “Metamorphoses” (Le Metamorfosi). The exhibition
explores the thematic and stylistic exchanges between Genoa and
the cities of Naples and Venice, in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Regional readings of several recurring mythological subjects
such as the loves, the travesties of Jupiter, the punishments
performed by Apollo and Diana, and real transformations, are
thus compared. The early 17th century was marked by a revival of
the mythology theme, due to a renewed circulation of Ovid's
works. The episodes depicted by painters are interesting for art
scholars, while also offering an enjoyable range of admirably
diverse viewpoints. An example being the adultery of Venus and
Mars, that Vulcan the legitimate husband learned about from
Apollo. The episode narrated in "Metamorphoses" tells
of when Vulcan "resorts to a trick to trap the two lovers:
he uses an invisible net to capture them and reveal their
misdeed to all the gods" (IV, 169-189). The exhibition
includes three canvases with the same name “Venere e Marte
sorpresi da Vulcano”. The work by Giovanni Battista Carlone
(of the Genoese area) centres on the eroticism of the two lovers,
but above all the derision of Vulcan, whose bare back stands out
in the middle of the canvas in the painter's typical style,
featuring bright colours and effective light and shade contrasts.
On the other hand the work by Sebastiano Mazzoni (of the
Venetian area) produces a flashing and animated image, permeated
by the boundless expression the artist always used in his
canvases, with the livid white of Venus who at first glance
seems to be motionless but is really covering her shame with a
veil. The work by Paolo De Matteis (of the Neapolitan area) uses
straightforward and balanced solutions, following classical
stylistic elements, with the Renaissance-style bedstead and the
bodies of the two lovers lying full length and harmoniously
arranged. The exhibition illustrates these interesting
differences and is accompanied by a catalogue rich in critical
articles and works not present in the Palazzo Ducale, that are
in addition to those on display.
Metamorfosi
del Mito. Pittura Barocca tra Napoli, Genova e Venezia
Palazzo Ducale, Doge's Apartment
Genoa
until 6 July 2003
open: every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., except Mondays
admission 7 euros, concessions 6 euros
information: tel. 010 5574004
Electa catalogue |
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