This SAHGB - IHR seminar will be a hybrid event, taking place online and in person at the Institute of Historical Research, Pollard N301 (3rd Floor, North Block of Senate House, Malet St, London WC1E 7HU).
It has long been recognised that Wren took inspiration for his Sheldonian from the theatres of ancient Rome, but at the same time the details of this relationship have been much debated, so that the most recent accounts have tended to downplay the connection. This seminar attempts to redress the balance and demonstrate that Wren was even more influenced by his understanding of the Roman world – and not just Roman theatres - than has been previously thought. It reassesses some key questions: why would Wren have chosen the ancient Roman theatre as a model or inspiration for his design? What did he understand about Roman theatres and what were his sources? How did he use them and what else did he use? The key to this reading is to recognise the importance of Wren as a Latin scholar and admirer of the Roman emperor Augustus, to many of Wren’s circle a role model for the newly restored monarch Charles II.
Registration:
Please use the form below and watch for the pop-up message that will appear onscreen after you submit your details. The Zoom link will be shown in this message for those joining remotely.
Link Image: Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford, copyright Wikimedia Commons
BIO
Janet DeLaine, FSA, was Associate Professor in Roman Archaeology at the University of Oxford, and is now Emeritus Fellow at Wolfson College. Her research focuses on the built environment of the Roman world, and she has just published a volume on Roman architecture for the OUP History of Art series.
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