ROME.- Nestled atop the Janiculum Hill, overlooking the Eternal City, stands a venerable oak tree, a silent witness to centuries of Roman history and artistic inspiration. This majestic tree, known as the Quercia del Tasso (Tasso's Oak), is the subject of a new exhibition opening January 29th at the Museo di Roma in Trastevere. "The Poet's Tree: The Tasso Oak at the Janiculum Hill" promises to be a captivating exploration of the tree's rich legacy, running through June 1st, 2025.
Legend has it that the great poet Torquato Tasso sought refuge and inspiration beneath this very oak, composing some of his most celebrated verses in its shade. But the tree's story extends far beyond Tasso. The Janiculum Hill, with its panoramic views and tranquil atmosphere, has drawn artists, writers, and thinkers for generations. Names like Saint Philip Neri, Leopardi, Stendhal, Strutt, and Rossini grace the list of those who strolled these paths, finding solace and creative fuel in the beauty of the landscape.
Curated by Roberta Perfetti and Silvia Telmon, the exhibition, supported by Roma Capitale and Zètema Progetto Cultura, brings together a fascinating array of nearly 100 artworks and historical documents. Many of these pieces, including maps, photographs, engravings, paintings, and personal accounts, are being displayed for the first time, offering fresh insights into the oak's significance.
The exhibition unfolds in five thematic sections, each illuminating a different facet of the oak's story. Visitors will embark on a journey through time, beginning with historical maps that trace the development of Rome, highlighting the contrast between the bustling Trastevere neighborhood and the serene Janiculum Hill. Early engravings and drawings offer a glimpse into how the city was perceived and represented across different eras.
The second section focuses on the Janiculum itself, showcasing the hill's timeless allure through evocative watercolors, photographs, and engravings. The heart of the exhibition, however, lies in the third section, which delves into the intimate connection between the oak and Tasso. Here, visitors can almost feel the presence of the poet, imagining him crafting his verses under the tree's watchful branches. Artworks depicting the oak, the nearby convent of Sant'Onofrio (where Tasso spent his final years), and the surrounding landscape create a powerful sense of place. This section also features contemporary artistic interpretations of the tree, including a sketch of Gianfranco Baruchello's 2015 installation "Like the Oak" and documentation of Joseph Beuys' monumental environmental work "7000 Oaks," connecting the oak's symbolism to present-day concerns.
The exhibition then explores the evolution of landscape art, showcasing exquisite engravings by masters like Giuseppe Vasi, Luigi Rossini, and Joseph Anton Koch, alongside lithographs by Eugenio Landesio and Charlotte Bonaparte. These works capture the timeless beauty of the Roman countryside and the enduring appeal of the Janiculum's vistas.
The final section bridges past and present, juxtaposing works by artists like Antonio Fontanesi and Jacob Philipp Hackert, who found inspiration in the Roman landscape, with contemporary pieces by Onorato Carlandi, Charlotte Bonaparte, Olivo Barbieri, Roberto Almagno, and Alessandro Cannistrà. This dialogue across time reveals how artists continue to find new ways to interpret the relationship between nature and the urban environment.
Beyond the art on display, the Museo di Roma in Trastevere has planned a series of engaging events to complement the exhibition. Guided tours, lectures, and discussions, organized in collaboration with La Sapienza University of Rome and the Associazione "Le parole delle scrittrici," will delve deeper into the life of Tasso and the literary figures inspired by him and the oak, further enriching the visitor experience. "The Poet's Tree" is more than just an exhibition; it's a celebration of Rome's cultural heritage, a testament to the enduring power of nature to inspire creativity, and a chance to connect with the stories that have shaped the city we know and love.
