The collections of the Marquis Campana highlighted at the Louvre museum

A boundless source of artistic treasures, for a long time, Italy inspired painters, sculptors and benefactors from many horizons. And to remind us of this enthusiasm, the Louvre Museum and its counterpart at the Hermitage, in Saint-Petersbourg, have teamed up for a special exhibition around the collection of Marquis Giampietro Campana, essentially created during the 19th century.

The Louvre Museum honors Marquis Campana

"A Dream of Italy" will be an occasion to highlight all his 500 works, antique or modern, comprising artefacts, paintings, busts and art objects. A unique assortment assembled during archaelogical digs, on markets, playing with networks between, Naples and Florence, without forgetting transalpine institutions.

Dating back to the Etruscan period, this monumental funerary urn in terracotta is baptized the Sarcophagus of the Spouses. © Philippe Fuzeau

Attending a banquet, this noble person invites his guests to join him. © VT et AT

A historical restoration

Purchased by Alexandre II and Napoleon III, its reconstitution was painstaking. Amongst other pieces, it comprises the Sarcophagus of the Spouses, the Battle of San Romano, a fragment from the fresco Ara Pacis Augustae, a cross painted by Giotto, Virgin and Child by Sandro Botticelli and a dish recalling the Abduction of Helen by Francesco Avelli. A prowess that visitors will certainly enjoy…

Dating back to 300 B.C., the busts of Antinous and Ariadne were patiently restored. © AL et Musée du Louvre

This fragment of Ara Pacis, the Altar of Peace, edified by Emperor Augustus, tells the story of Antique Rome. © Thierry Ollivier