Alvar González-Palacios: "A Precious Vision of Antiquity"

Art historian Alvar González-Palacios presents his lecture "A Precious Vision of Antiquity" on the sumptuous surtouts de table created in Rome during the late eighteenth century by Luigi and Giuseppe Valadier and other artists. Intended for grand state dinners, these elaborate centerpieces feature miniature versions of ancient monuments, sculptures, and obelisks in bronze, porcelain, colored marble, and hardstone.