The Vesuvian Cities' Role in the Neoclassical Interior and Archaeological Inquiry

Abstract

The Neoclassical style was propelled into popular taste as early archaeological excavation took place in the Vesuvian cities. Eighteenth century society was enamoured with the aesthetically pleasing objects, wall paintings and architecture unearthed in the buried cities and this enamourment led to both improper excavation and a narrow approach to studying the ancient past. While the rediscovery was beneficial through the renewal of curiosity in the ancient world, the aesthetics from the Vesuvian cities were essentially appropriated to fit the ideology of elite eighteenth century society. These reproduced aesthetics have become more of a reflection on the Neoclassical period than the genuine Classical past.