Events

The eighteenth century was a time of great cross-cultural exchange, in Europe and beyond. Artists from England and Northern Europe embarked on their Grand Tours of Italy to steep themselves in the classical monuments and landscapes, while other artists traveled north to seek out royal and elite patronage, prestigious commissions in flourishing academies, and in search of inspiration in new places. This multifaceted cultural exchange was further expanded by artists’ encounters with diverse cultures, in colonies or through exported goods. Join us for a panel discussion between scholars and dealers to discuss the importance of drawing from this period of travel and enrichment.

What goes into preparing for a major exhibition or publication on a singular collection of drawings? This panel brings together three distinct perspectives – those of a scholar, a curator, and a conservator – on three recent or upcoming projects considering Italian drawing collections.

The collection of European drawings at the Wadsworth Atheneum in Hartford is barely known, yet it boasts numerous significant works. In conjunction with Paper, Color, Line: European Master Drawings from the Wadsworth Atheneum, a large exhibition on view from January 16th to April 27th, 2025, this talk explores the rich history of the collection.