L’Eta Dell’oro 

Roberto Ferri painted this oil on canvas titled ‘L’Eta Dell’oro.’ Ferri’s art presents itself as an alternative to the contemporary art world and its institutions. It shows the timeless relevance of classical painting as a way of challenging existing social norms. In his native Italy, the academies of art are institutions that have historically been seen as upholding a cultural tradition. His art is a conscious choice to create work in a classical style. This is achieved through a number of visual codes. The title references a mythical Golden Age, an idyllic time of peace and prosperity. The figures resemble classical sculptures, their poses evoking a sense of timelessness. The black hand on the man’s back could be interpreted as a symbolic representation of worldly concerns that pull us away from the innocence of a Golden Age. Understanding the artwork involves historical research into the artist’s cultural background and intentions. The meaning of art is contingent on its social and institutional context.