The Charlatan in the Piazza c. 19th century

Curator: Bartolomeo Pinelli, born in Rome, gives us "The Charlatan in the Piazza." It depicts a lively street scene, all in etching. What leaps out at you? Editor: It feels like a performance of societal anxieties—a visual commentary on trust and manipulation within public spaces. Curator: Precisely! The charlatan, elevated on his makeshift stage, becomes a figure of authority, exploiting the vulnerabilities of his audience. Editor: He's preying on the marginalized—a common tactic, then and now, using spectacle to distract from genuine need and systemic issues. It’s timeless! Curator: Agreed. The power dynamics here are just so naked, laid bare. Editor: Leaving us to reflect on who holds the stage and who's left watching.