Thesis title: Antonio Zucchi (1726-1795) in Britain: transformation and transmigration in 18th century European painting
Antonio Zucchi (1726-1795) had a significant role in the development of decorative painting in the second half of the 18th century. Unfortunately, his importance has been overshadowed over the centuries by the presence in his role as a collaborator to British architects Robert and James Adam. However, Zucchi was much more than that. An erudite and curious artist, his versatility and his sense of politesse soon made him an appreciated artist in his native Venice, but also in Rome and London alike, moving between cosmopolitan, intellectual circles.
This thesis will rediscover and reassess his contributions to the transmigration of images and ideas from 18th century Italian states to Georgian Britain, from multiple points of view at the crossroads between archival research, antiquarianism, iconography and Early modern art theories.