Italian Painting in the Age of Unification

Book excerpt: Italian Painting in the Age of Unification reconstructs the artistic motivations and messaging of three artists--Tommaso Minardi, Francesco Hayez, and Gioacchino Toma--from three distinct regions in Italy prior to, during, and directly following political unification in 1861. Each artist, working in Rome, Milan, and Naples, respectively, adopted the visual narratives particular to his region, using style to communicate aspects of his political, religious, or social context. By focusing on these three figures, this study will introduce readers outside of Italy to their diversity of practice, and provide a means for understanding their place within the larger field of international nineteenth-century art, albeit a place largely distinct from the better-known French tradition. The book will be of interest to scholars working in art history, nationalism, Italian history, or Italian studies.