Philippe Daverio
Il Museo Immaginato

THE REVIEW

"Il Museo Immaginato", Philippe Daverio (Ita) 2011. Published by Rizzoli

Philippe Daverio is a fairly well-known media figure, as a author and host of programs on the History of Art such as "Passepartout" and "Emporio Daverio" still present in the public network programming, so I will not dwell more on the character other than to confess my admiration for his style (from clothing, to his manner, to his eloquence).

As also reported in the official notes, "Il Museo Immaginato" is the first illustrated book (many and of excellent quality) by the French-Italian professor and is (and this is my opinion) probably the most personal one.  The idea is very simple but also, if I may say so, brilliant, which is to "construct" a neoclassical villa, imagining both the exteriors and interiors, furnishing it according to the classic concept of our elegance and transforming it into a museum, equipping it with a series of paintings (and the like) chosen, indeed, according to the author's taste but especially following a (philo)logical path according to the use of the various rooms/environments and the correlation (according to various mechanisms explained from time to time) between the various works.

An intriguing operation enriched by texts (always witty, precise, and cheerfully sophisticated) where Daverio sometimes serves as a classical critic, at other times he limits himself to fine stories on the accompanying historical events, other times he doesn't shy away from instilling small notes of color on personal tastes.

Ambitious but accessible, especially in an era (as the author himself writes in the "preface") where the Internet can unravel some holes left more or less intentionally, this is a book that can be helpful to those interested in immersing themselves for the first time in art as it is rich in small and large "tips" (especially in details), but even those more experienced may just want to compare with a decidedly "intimate" perspective.

One flaw, not attributable to the author, lies in the price (the non-hardcover version is sold for 19 "euros") quite demanding (although once owned, it deserves them all).

A small personal note: I viscerally loved the supplementary text of "The Tempest" by Giorgione.

Mo.