Italy - Rome; Richard Bridgens // edito da Baldwin

This pair of engravings represents one of the most vivid and detailed visual testimonies of the Roman Carnival of the 19th century, an event that drew to Rome intellectuals, artists, and travelers from all over Europe during the Grand Tour era. • Plate 1 (Carnival at Rome): It depicts the parade of traditional masks along Via del Corso. At the center of the composition, a varied crowd showcases grotesque costumes: a man disguised as a bear stands out, a demonic figure with a pitchfork on the right, characters with giant glasses and period clothing. From balconies adorned with colored drapes, the nobles and Roman bourgeoisie actively participate in the festival, throwing confetti, sweets, and the traditional chalk "confetti" onto the crowd below. • Plate 2 (Horse Race at Rome): It captures the culminating and most adrenaline-pumping moment of the celebrations: the Barberi Horse Race. Five startled steeds (i.e., without jockeys) are caught in full gallop along the paving of Via del Corso. The animals were urged by the sound and pain of sharp metallic beads placed on their backs. To the sides, the background shows a dense sea of spectators and Roman architectural elements, including the historic street signs of the "Strada del Corso" and the signage of a "Caffè".

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