A few weeks ago Beijing witnessed the opening of an exhibition about the Renaissance in Italy. For several months, works by Raphael, Michelangelo, Botticelli and Brunelleschi will be captivating Chinese visitors, providing them with an opportunity to get a close-up look at very significant piece of the history of Italian art.
The exhibition is the first event to be staged in the Spazio Italia (a new permanent exhibition area dedicated to Italy) located in the largest and most visited museum in the world, China’s National Museum in Tien An Men Square.
I don’t want to sound as though I am repeating myself, but I believe it confirms what I already wrote here: Italy can lay claim to an artistic and cultural heritage that is practically inexhaustible. And the exploitation of this immense treasure is not simply one of many possible options – particularly during these times of crisis – it is a necessary course of action. In the wake of art and culture, all of our capabilities – numerous and often excellent – can conquer the world (peacefully) and re-position us as one of the world’s leading nations.