“Invadere armata mano lo studio d'Hayez“. I Profughi di Parga di Francesco Hayez nei carteggi dell'Archivio di Stato di Brescia

This study analyzes Francesco Hayez's I Profughi di Parga - a masterpiece of historical romantic painting and first manifestly patriotic production of the artist - in the light of unpublished documents and letters preserved in the State Archives of Brescia. The work, since its presentation to the public, was perceived by critics as revolutionary, both in the open alignment with the proHellenic cause, and in the barely veiled references to the Italian political situation. The documents confirm and expand what is already known with respect to the in-depth research carried out by the painter. Furthermore, they reveal new scenarios with respect to the cultural expectations that, around the painting, were already emerging in the years of gestation, in a dense network of information and reflections between the client Conte Paolo Tosio, the painter, and a varied group of mutual friends, artists, observers and informants. In a growing and widespread awareness of the quality, meaning and role of the work, the letters also reveal details on the iconographic choices made by Hayez and his autonomous positions with respect to Tosio's requests