The National Library of China in Beijing recently inaugurated a significant exhibition titled “Love Luxury Beauty in Classic Antique Masterpieces,” symbolizing the deep-rooted cultural connections between Italy and China. The event serves as a testament to the robust relationship the two nations have cultivated, particularly in the realms of art, history, and culture.
Massimo Ambrosetti, the esteemed Italian Ambassador to China, graced the opening ceremony with his presence. He emphasized the pivotal role of the China-Italy year of culture and tourism in nurturing these ties. According to him, the numerous cultural events organized between the two countries provide a unique platform for individuals to reflect on the profound essence and significance of art and culture.
Central to the exhibition is the theme “Myth of Pompeii,” which dives deep into treasures from the National Archaeological Museum of Naples. This iconic institution in Italy stands as one of the premier archaeological museums globally. It holds an unparalleled collection of artifacts recovered from the ancient city of Pompeii, which remains an epitome of historical richness and intrigue.
A staggering total of 127 artifacts, carefully curated from the museum’s vast reserves, is on display. The collection boasts an eclectic range of items such as majestic sculptures, intricate frescoes, timeless ceramics, ancient bronzes, and delicate glassware. Among these artifacts, a standout piece is the mesmerizing sculpture titled “Aphrodite Rising from the Sea.” This masterpiece eloquently captures the ethereal beauty of Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and allure.
The meticulously planned exhibition unfolds over five segments, each shedding light on themes of love, luxury, and beauty that dominated the epochs of ancient Greece and Rome. Beyond just artifacts, the exhibition paints a vivid tableau of Pompeii’s urban landscapes and daily routines before its untimely obliteration by volcanic ash. Such a representation serves as an immersive gateway, allowing attendees to traverse time and feel the heartbeat of the ancient Roman civilization.
Federico Antonelli, who oversees cultural affairs at the Italian Embassy in China, underscored the regularity and richness of recent cultural exchanges between the two countries. He explained that the nature and caliber of exhibitions are crafted based on the target audience. While general audiences might experience such displays in more commercial settings like shopping malls, academia and scholars would typically engage with them in educational environments, such as universities. For artifacts of monumental significance, renowned museums become the chosen venues.
For Antonelli, the universal appeal of art and culture transcends boundaries. Through such endeavors, he aspires for the Chinese populace to cultivate a richer appreciation and comprehension of Italy’s vast cultural tapestry.
Dong Qiang, a distinguished academician and dean of the Yenching Academy at Peking University, expressed his admiration for the exhibition. Having visited numerous exhibitions throughout his illustrious career, he commended this particular one for its stellar interpretation and presentation of artifacts. Dong emphasized the rarity and privilege of witnessing such invaluable Italian antiquities in China. The captivating story of Pompeii, echoing through millennia, has undeniably amplified China’s curiosity and respect for this crucial chapter of ancient history.
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