Park met standbeelden, tempels en monumenten 1784 - 1848

This drawing, "Park with statues, temples and monuments," was made by Antonio Basoli in the late 18th or early 19th century. Basoli, an Italian artist, worked during a time of shifting political landscapes and growing interest in classical antiquity. The drawing presents an idealized vision of a park, filled with classical sculptures and monuments. But this vision is also highly gendered. Note the prevalence of male figures in positions of power and authority. How do we reckon with this? These images are not merely decorative; they reflect the values and ideals of a society deeply influenced by classical traditions. Basoli was developing alternative narratives around class and power by incorporating new ideas of what a park can contain. Ultimately, this drawing invites us to consider how public spaces reflect and shape our understanding of history, power, and identity. What does it mean to create a space that is both a celebration of the past and a reflection of the present?