Claudio Pescio's 'Paradisi proibiti' Explores Transgressive Art History

Claudio Pescio's new book 'Paradisi proibiti' (Giunti, 2023) examines transgressive themes in art history, focusing on sex, alcohol, and drugs. The 272-page volume primarily analyzes European paintings and sculptures from the 15th to 16th centuries, with some ancient and early 20th-century works. Pescio argues that transgression was more potent in earlier eras, whereas contemporary art has normalized it. The book also addresses gender violence, noting that mythological and biblical stories often reflect a male perspective. Pescio highlights how artists like Lavinia Fontana offered alternative narratives. Historical episodes include the Opium Wars between China and Britain (1839, 1856) and the 18th-century 'Gin Craze' in Britain. The author draws parallels to modern issues like the Fentanyl crisis discussed by Presidents Biden and Xi Jinping.