“The Art of Raffaello: Opera Omnia” Exhibition at the Guangzhou Library

“Multiculture library-trip around the world” is a series of multicultural-themed events organised by the Guangzhou Library to showcase the cultural diversity of various countries. On 11 March 2021, the opening ceremony of the exhibition, “The Art of Raffaello: Opera Omnia”, jointly organised with the Consulate General of Italy in Guangzhou, was held in the Guangzhou Library. Officials from the Consulates of Italy, France, Greece, Portugal, Spain, Germany, and other consulates in Guangzhou, attended the ceremony and toured the exhibition. Mr Fang Jiazhong, Director of the Guangzhou Library, and Ms Lucia Pasqualini, Consul General of Italy in Guangzhou, delivered speeches at the opening ceremony.

Group photo of guests at the open ceremony.

“China-Italy” New Dialogue in the Epidemic Situation

Mr Fang Jiazhong highlighted in his speech that China and Italy are outstanding representatives of Eastern and Western civilisations. This event is not only a dialogue between the two ancient civilisations of China and Italy in the new era, but also a testimony of the deep friendship between China and Italy to overcome the COVID-19 global pandemic situation. The Guangzhou Library is a “multicultural window” in Guangzhou. Thus, we hoped that through this event, the citizens of Guangzhou could appreciate up close the master’s works and understand the Italian culture and art, and also promote communication and understanding among different cultures.

Speech by Fang Jiazhong, Director of Guangzhou Library

Consul General Lucia Pasqualini introduced Raphael and the works exhibited in this exhibition at the opening ceremony. Raphael is one of the greatest artists of the Italian Renaissance. The works displayed in the exhibition are absolutely faithful to the original works. The exhibition is a rare opportunity for the citizens of Guangzhou to witness Raphael’s works and enhance their understanding of Italian cultural heritage.

Speech by Lucia Pasqualini, Consul General of Italy in Guangzhou

A “Flash Mob” of Raphael’s Famous Work

The opening ceremony also featured scene paintings created by the well-known domestic illusion artist Wan Brothers based on Raphael’s masterpiece “The Marriage of the Virgin”. The Wan Brothers used 3D painting technology to “restore” the scene in the painting, while dancers from the Guangdong Institute Aesthetic Education gave a vivid interpretation of the dramatic scene in the painting.

The flash mob performance “The Marriage of the Virgin”

Exhibition Guided Tour – Exploring Raphael’s Art World

After the opening ceremony, Mr Alessandro Antonicelli, an Italian art teacher from Shenzhen Hutong School, provided the audience with a guided tour of the exhibition, explaining in detail the artistic conception depicted in the work and the characteristics of the artist in different stages of his entire career.

Mr. Alessandro Antonicelli guided exhibition

“The Art of Raffaello: Opera Omnia” exhibited 36 high-definition reproductions of Raphael’s original scale restoration. The original works are scattered and collected in art galleries in 7 countries around the world. The exhibition is curated by Professor Antonio Parucci, one of the most influential experts in the field of Italian art and history. Professionals in the art imaging industry use advanced technology to produce high-definition restoration paintings.