- Pontifical Academy of Fine Arts and Letters of the Virtuosi al Pantheon
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The Pontifical Academy of Fine Arts and Letters of the Virtuosi al Pantheon is one of the ten Pontifical Academies under the direction of the Holy See. The complete Italian name of the academy, Pontificia Insigne Accademia di Belle Arti e Letteratura dei Virtuosi al Pantheon, includes the adjective insigne (illustrious), often omitted in official English translations. The term Virtuosi al Pantheon (virtuosos of the Pantheon) is also usually left untranslated, but, in any event, should not be taken in the English musical sense of “virtuoso” but rather “artists of great merit”. The Pantheon in Rome was the historical home of the academy. One should note that the term “academy” is meant in the Renaissance definition of the term as an association of learned persons and not an institution of instruction.
The academy was founded as the “Congregation of Saint Joseph of the Holy Land” in 1542 under the auspices of the Cistercian monk, Desiderio d’Adiutorio and was recognized by Pope Paul III on October 15, 1542. From its inception, the academy has counted among its members many important artists who have left their mark in Rome. Since the 17th century, exhibits have often taken place beneath the portico of the Pantheon, the historical home of the organization.
In 1837, a new statute in the Papal States provided funds for annual art competitions. The title “Pontifical” was conferred by Pope Pius IX in 1861 and “”Academy” was added by Pope Pius XI in 1928. A new statute in 1995 defines the goal of the academy as one of “favoring the study and practice of letters and fine arts with particular regard to sacred art and Christian literature…in collaboration with the Pontifical Council for Culture”
The “entry level” members of the Virtuosi are called “academics”; from that group, the Pope nominates candidates for the “ordinary” group, who then are termed “emeritus” upon reaching 80 years of age. There are 50 “ordinary” virtuosi divided into five disciplines: architects, painters and film-makers, sculptors, academics dedicated to art and music, and poets and authors. The president of the academy is appointed by the Pontiff for a term of five years and may be reappointed. The president is also a member of the coordinating council for Pontifical Academies.
The academy typically sponsors art exhibits, presentation of poetry and literature, discussions, and visits to historic sites in Rome. The current (2009) president of the academy is Vitaliano Tiberia. The current secretary is Ernesto Lamagna. The current premises of the academy are at Piazza della Cancelleria 1 in Vatican City in Rome.
Sources and external links
Pontifical Academies - Website of the Holy See
Pontifical institutions of higher education in Rome Pontifical University Antonianum • Pontifical Gregorian University • Pontifical Lateran University • Salesian Pontifical University • Pontifical University of the Holy Cross • Pontifical University of St. Thomas Aquinas • Pontifical Urban UniversityAcademy of Arcadia • Alphonsian Academy • Pontifical Academy of Fine Arts and Letters of the Virtuosi al Pantheon • Pontifical Academy of Science • Pontifical Academy of Theology • Pontifical Academy of Archaeology • Pontifical Academy of Martyrs • Pontifical Academy of St. Thomas Aquinas • Pontifical Academy of the Immaculate Conception • Pontifical Academy of Mary • Pontifical Academy for Life • Pontifical Academy of Social SciencesOther pontifical institutions of higher education
Pontifical Athenaeum Regina Apostolorum • Pontificio Ateneo Sant Anselmo • Pontifical Institute of Arab and Islamic Studies • Pontifical Biblical Institute • The Pontifical Colleges • Institute of the Theology of the Consecrated Life Claretianum • Pontifical Theological Faculty Marianum • Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family • Pontifical Oriental Institute • Pastorale Universitaria • Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music • Pontifical Theological Faculty Teresianum • Patristic Institute AugustinianumCoordinates: 41°53′48″N 12°28′17″E / 41.89667°N 12.47139°E
Categories:- Pontifical Academy of Fine Arts and Letters of the Virtuosi al Pantheon
- 1542 establishments
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