Ruins Past and Future: Four Ways of Looking at History

This illustrated lecture will examine representations of real and imaginary ruins in European literature, visual arts, and architectural theory. Ranging from the antiquarian Poggio Bracciolini in the early 15th century through the artists Piranesi and Hubert Robert in the 18th century and the poet Anna Barbauld in the 19th century to the film Planet of the Apes in the late 20th century, the lecture will focus on four distinct views of ruins—as moral lessons, asaesthetic exempla, as elements of landscape, and as anticipations of the future—and the conception of historical time underlying each. Among the questions that will be addressed are why ruins are   fascinating in such varied contexts and for such varied artistic purposes, and how they seem to be emblematic of diverse historical conditions.

If you prefer to attend this lecture in presence, you should write to segreteria.isa@unibo.it within September 6th, 12 p.m. and book your place. The places will be assigned on “first come first served” basis.