Torino - Espos. 1911 - Entrata alla Mostra Francese

Catalog Level
Items (Cataloging Focus)

Title Proper/Title Text
Torino - Espos. 1911 - Entrata alla Mostra Francese

Name of Publisher/Creator Identity
Stabilimento Campassi e Diena

Date of Publication/Creation Date
1911 ca.

Dimensions Description
14 x 9 cm.

Inscription Language
Italian (Language)

Related Built Environment Objects

• Pavilion of France

Descriptive Note Text

This black-and-white photo postcard shows the entrance to the Pavilion of France. To the left, we can see a row of monumental fluted columns, showing elaborate sculptural groups, in which clusters of intertwined figures are rendered in a dynamic baroque style. 

The pavilion's main entrance is framed by a colonnade of tall Ionic columns. These columns support a wide entablature, and inscribed directly into the frieze above the columns is the word "LIBERTÉ". Running alongside this inscription is a sequence of small shields or coats of arms.

Above the entablature, a stone balustrade lines the rooftop, punctuated at regular intervals with finials. Toward the left side of the composition, a dome is capped with a flagpole, from which a flag can be seen flying, and the dome's base is flanked by sculptural figures, one of which appears to be an allegorical female figure with an outstretched arm.

The relationship between scale and the human figures is worth noting as well. The visitors strolling in the plaza appear quite small in comparison to the towering foreground columns, projecting an image of national progress and grandeur.

 

Current Repository/Geographic Location
Cristina Della Coletta Private Collection (San Diego, USA)

Current Repository Numbers
CDC-PC-PFRA-0014