Resubstantiating antiquity: revival and architectural reuse in the Renaissance
Lecture in English by Michael Waters
The reuse of ancient Roman architecture, known since the 16th century as spoliation and often understood as a medieval practice, actively persisted throughout the Renaissance. How was it that as the effort to revive antiquity intensified the destruction and reuse of antique monuments continued, and at times even increased? This talk explores the ways in which reuse became integral to an Italian culture of revival as builders and patrons, used spolia to renew the material remains of the past. Michael Waters is an assistant professor in the Department of Art History and Archaeology at Columbia University and currently a fellow at Villa I Tatti.
The Cultural Programme is open to members of the British Institute of Florence. Membership options range from 24 hours to Life. For membership see here.
This season is made possible by a generous donation from Graham Avery and his wife Annalisa, matched by Alessandra and Michael Griffiths.