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Luigi Basiletti exhibition in Brescia celebrates archaeologist and painter

exhibition · 2026-04-27

The exhibition 'Luigi Basiletti e l'Antico' at Palazzo Tosio in Brescia celebrates the life of Luigi Basiletti (1780–1859), an influential archaeologist, architect, and painter pivotal in the rediscovery of Roman Brixia. This event commemorates the 200th anniversary of the initial excavation in 1823, which led to the discovery of the Winged Victory of Brescia in 1826. Curated by Roberta D'Adda, Bernardo Falconi, and Francesca Morandini, it showcases paintings, drawings, and artifacts from the Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo. Basiletti, who had close ties with Count Paolo Tosio, enhanced his cultural insights during his time in Rome and visits to Naples and Pompeii. The exhibition is part of the 2023 celebrations for Brescia and Bergamo as joint Italian Capital of Culture.

Key facts

  • Exhibition 'Luigi Basiletti e l'Antico' at Palazzo Tosio, Brescia, 2023
  • Curated by Roberta D'Adda, Bernardo Falconi, Francesca Morandini
  • Catalogue published by Skira
  • Commemorates 200 years since first excavation of Roman Brixia in 1823
  • Excavations led to discovery of Winged Victory of Brescia in 1826
  • Luigi Basiletti (1780–1859) was an archaeologist, architect, painter
  • Basiletti was a friend and advisor to Count Paolo Tosio
  • Basiletti studied in Rome with Antonio Canova and traveled to Naples and Pompeii
  • Works from Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo and permanent collection on display
  • Includes paintings, drawings, engravings, medals, furniture, documents
  • Basiletti served as superintendent of excavations at the Capitolium
  • He designed the Museo Patrio and edited 'Museo Bresciano Illustrato'
  • Brescia and Bergamo are joint Italian Capital of Culture in 2023

Entities

Artists

  • Luigi Basiletti
  • Antonio Canova
  • Paolo Tosio

Institutions

  • Palazzo Tosio
  • Ateneo Bresciano
  • Pinacoteca Tosio Martinengo
  • Skira
  • Museo Patrio
  • Capitolium

Locations

  • Brescia
  • Italy
  • Rome
  • Naples
  • Pompeii
  • Bergamo

Sources