City of Split Heritage Journal, No. 36, 2010.
Review article
THE SPLIT MONUMENTS THROUGH THE EYES OF CASSAS AND LAVALLÉE
Marina Rakić
orcid.org/0000-0003-3774-476X
Abstract
The so-called Trieste Arts and Antiquities Admirers Association commissioned the drawings of picturesque parts of Trieste and its larger area from a twenty-year-old painter, Louis-François Cassas, in 1782. The patron of this project was Emperor Joseph II. During his creative journey, the young painter did not only make the drawings of Trieste and its larger area: he also made the drawings of the famous Dalmatian and Istrian landmarks. Twenty years later,
this remarkable creative journey inspired yet another creative project: a travel book by Joseph Lavallée, known as Historic and Figurative Journey through Istria and Dalmatia. The travel book also contained 69 prints created by the prominent French engravers. This particular book is a monumental piece of art, created in the manner of classical tradition and its artistic topography. Art historians and restorers value its drawings for offering an insight into the late
18th century monuments of Split. Cassas’ drawings feature the famous Split landmarks, such as the original appearance of the top floors of Grisogono and Cipci palaces in Peristil Square,
the bell tower above Jupiter’s Temple, the military hospital, Nehaj Tower, et al. His pieces also feature the original appearance of the monuments within Diocletian’s Palace before they were either demolished or utterly changed by later administrations. This gifted young painter produced a detailed portrait of the city for his artistic insight was not limited to its ancient heritage. Therefore his figurative journey represents artistic meditation on the monuments, as
they were throughout the long history of the city.
Keywords
Hrčak ID:
65370
URI
Publication date:
27.12.2010.
Visits: 2.659 *