Appel à communication : « The allure of Rome » (Lisbonne, 15-18 juillet 2015)

The allure of Rome (Lisbon, 15-18 Jul 15)

Lisbon, New University, Humanities Faculty (FCSH), July 15 - 18, 2015
Deadline: Dec 19, 2014
Call for Papers
Knowledge Transfer and Cultural Exchanges
CHAM International Conference
Panel: The allure of Rome: Joao V of Portugal and his Cultural Policy in
the European context
Joao V (1689-1750) is believed to be the Portuguese Sun King. He not
only put Portugal into the European politics raising its prestige to
unknown levels but he also developed an ambitious artistic policy
supported by huge spending in art, music and luxury items.
Considering Joao V's transcendence, it is surprising the relatively lack
of interest showed by non-Portuguese historians regarding his role in
the European cultural context. This panel will deal with the King's
artistic policy in Europe with especial attention to Rome. Rome was the
dreamed city of the “gentiluomini” and artists who used to travel to
Italy to improve their education and their training. Joao V wanted to
spend some time enjoying his own Grand Tour but his political
responsibilities didn't allowed him to take that journey. This “viaggio
mancato” was without doubt some kind of frustration and part of his
artistic policy can be better understood if we keep that in mind.
The king went through great artistic/cultural investments to display his
wealth and power and to achieve a stronger position in Europe, but also
because he obviously has a very particular taste. He supported lavish
ambassadors entrées, made substantial donations to the Pope and became
(in absentia) one of the most generous art patrons in Rome. He
commissioned hundreds of masterpieces, namely the magnificent sculptures
for his Royal palace in Mafra or the sumptuous San Rocco's chapel in
Lisbon, and he and his courtiers became some of the most influential
collectors in the awakening of the Grand Tour. We encourage papers
dealing with (but not only):

- Cultural milieu and artistic trade in the Embassies
- The print collection and the Mariettes
- Art market in Rome
- Collectors and diplomats as trade agents for the king
 
Contact
Pilar Diez del Corral (FCSH, Univ. Nova de Lisboa)
pcorral@fcsh.unl.pt