Gli acquerelli di Ettore Roesler Franz

Again on display the popular watercolours of Ettore Roelser Franz, this exhibition provides an opportunity to admire 111 of the 119 watercolours that make up the “Picturesque Rome. Memories of an era that is disappearing” series, better known as “Vanished Rome”.
These pieces were completed over a twenty year period that stretched from around 1876 to 1896, providing a unique overview of the city before the many changes wrought by post 1870 urban planning and the appearance of new architectonic structures designed to make Rome a worthy capital of the new, united Italy. Taking up the entire first floor of the Museum, the water colours have been divided into five themed groups: Thresholds, Godliness, The Ghetto, The Tiber and Tradespeople.
The first room, named “Thresholds” includes 10 works that depict arches, entrances and the doors of churches and other places of worship.
The second, “Godliness” has a further 17 works that depict some of Rome's most beautiful churches.
18 watercolours featuring the Ghetto and its surroundings – in other words the city's Jewish neighbourhood - are displayed in the first Gallery, whilst in the second, 33 paintings of the River Tiber before it had embankments are arranged to reflect the river's course from North to South, starting with the section at Prati di Castello through to Porto di Ripa Grande.
Last, but not least, the third Gallery is showing 33 watercolours that represent the various trades carried out by both men and women, ranging from weavers, darners, laundrywomen, carters, farriers and pavers. This section also includes paintings showing how heavy items were transported on the heads or shoulders of both men and women or by animals pulling different types of cart. These paintings reveal all sorts of details such as road signs, electoral posters as well as shop and inn signs.