Virgil Reading from the Iliad in the Court of Augustus, after Wicar c. 19th century

Curator: This is Giovanni Beltrami's "Virgil Reading from the Iliad in the Court of Augustus, after Wicar." Editor: It’s delicate. The monochromatic palette and low relief give it a ghostly, ethereal feel. Curator: Precisely. Beltrami, active in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, specialized in these refined, small-scale works. Think of the labor involved in its production—likely plaster or a similar material, cast from a mold, yet requiring meticulous hand-finishing. Editor: And consider the context! The scene depicts Virgil, a celebrated poet, performing for Emperor Augustus. It highlights the power of art and its role in legitimizing imperial authority. The Roman Empire's use of art as propaganda is clear. Curator: Absolutely, a classical scene reproduced on a mass-produced object. It speaks to changing attitudes toward art and accessibility. Editor: It's a fascinating interplay between high art and the burgeoning culture of reproducible images. Curator: A small object that reveals a surprisingly large history. Editor: Indeed, and prompts us to consider the endurance of both literature and power.