On March 20, 2025, at 15:30, the Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale di Firenze will host the presentation of the book titled Noble Magnificence: Culture of the Performing Arts in Rome, 1644-1740. The event will take place in the Sala Galileo, bringing together scholars, arts enthusiasts, and members of the public interested in the rich historical perspectives offered by the work.
The book, edited by Anne-Madeleine Goulet and Michela Berti, delves deep between the realms of economic history, court culture, and the history of performance. It aims to present the multifaceted role of entertainment as part of the social promotion strategies employed by the aristocracy during the 17th and 18th centuries. This ambitious undertaking reflects the project’s objective to shine light on how performance arts were utilized not just for leisure but as tools for social and cultural positioning within the elite hierarchies of the time.
Goulet, who is also the project’s principal investigator at the Centre d’études supérieures de la Renaissance of Tours, has dedicated her scholarly efforts to exploring the interplay between arts and society. The book is the final publication resulting from the PerformArt research project, which has received funding from the European Research Council, underscoring its academic significance.
Readers will find the book comprehensive, as it includes not only scholarly text but also practical resources like a glossary, six maps, and three indices, as well as detailed listings of the archival sources cited throughout the work. This structure makes it accessible for both general readers and academic audiences alike.
The book will be available for interested parties both as a physical copy and as a free e-book, published on the Brepols website. This dual availability aims to cater to different readership needs, enhancing broader access to this extensive study.
The fact remains clear: Noble Magnificence is not just another academic publication; it serves as a significant contribution to the existing literature surrounding the intersection of arts and aristocratic culture. It promises to enrich the discourse around the importance of performance arts during tumultuous yet culturally rich periods of European history.
This presentation at the Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale di Firenze also highlights the commitment from institutions to promote scholarly work and provide platforms for discussing historical and cultural topics. By fostering opportunities for dialogue and exploration of such themes, the event is expected to receive commendable attention from cultural institutions and the academic community.
For those wishing to attend the presentation, details about participating can be found on the official website of the Biblioteca Nazionale Centrale di Firenze. The event not only promises engaging discussions but also signifies the importance of our continued exploration of historical narratives through the arts.