IN THE LIGHT OF NAPLES: FRANCESCO DE MURA IN AMERICA

The Italian Cultural Institute of New York presents a special lecture on “Francesco de Mura in America” wih Dr. Arthur R. Blumenthal, founder of Loving Art Partnerships and director emeritus of the Cornell Fine Arts Museum in Winter Park, Fla.
Francesco de Mura, the indisputable leader in his day of the Neapolitan School and the favorite of the reigning King, was the chief painter of decorative cycles to emerge from the studio of Francesco Solimena (1657-1747), the monumental Baroque artist. De Mura’s refined and elegant compositions, with their delicate light and airy colors, heralded the Rococo manner in Naples, and his later classicistic style gave rise to Neo-classicism. He often composed his paintings as if they were theatrical mise en scènes, with grand architectonic settings, and he was highly influenced by Neapolitan crèche (presepio) figurines. In revealing who this fine artist was, Dr. Blumenthal will discuss De Mura’s superb draftsmanship, his luminous colors, and his harmonious compositions. Included in the lecture are images of magnificent religious subjects, intense psychological portraits, and graceful mythological scenes.
While De Mura was once the most famous artist in Naples and one of the best known in Italy, and, while he is represented in major museums — in Naples, Rome, and Paris, as well as in Chicago, Minneapolis, Seattle, and New York — there has never been an exhibition of his art: the lecture will be foscused solely on the works in North American museums and private collections. There will be a brief question-and-answer period after the 50-minute lecture, which is free and open to the public.
R.S.V.P. 212-879-4242 ext. 360For more information, please visit the Institute’s website, www.iicnewyork.esteri.it, or call 212-879-4242.