Academy Books

Thanks to the efforts of Trustee Rea Hederman and the enthusiastic support of the Publications Committee, The American Academy 1947–54, Reopening and Reorientation: A Personal Reminiscence covers Lawrence Richardson’s experiences as a Fellow in classical studies. The book also chronicles the launch and early seasons of the Academy’s excavations at Cosa; life in Rome and at the Academy itself; the Fellows, Residents, and staff in those years; and his own work on Roman painting and architecture at Pompeii. Photographs from the Academy Archives and Richardson’s personal collection are also included.

Richardson was a Fellow in 1950 and a Resident in 1979. He was also an Academy Trustee from 1969 to 1992. The book was edited by Harry B. Evans, a 1973 Fellow and 1992 Resident.

Ever since the American Academy in Rome reopened its doors after World War II in 1946/1947, fellows and visitors have been greeted by a large tapestry with a battle scene on the south wall of the common room, better known as the salone. That this piece never seems to have commanded the interest of art historians in residence at the Academy was probably due to the Gobelin’s faded colors and poor state of conservation. A recent cleaning and expert repair, however, have revealed the superior quality of hanging and encouraged its investigation.

Those who come to the American Academy in Rome on the Janiculum should know about the history of the grounds on which the Academy buildings and their neighbors are located and about the origin of the names of the streets surrounding the area. This book is intended to do just that.

With a preface from AAR director Lester K. Little and an introduction by Linda Blumberg, Andrew Heiskell Arts Director, this book serves as a record of work accomplished by Academy Fellows and Residents during 2001–2.

With a preface from AAR director Lester K. Little and an introduction by Linda Blumberg, Andrew Heiskell Arts Director, this book serves as a record of work accomplished by Academy Fellows and Residents in the School of Fine Arts during 2000–1 fellowship year.

There are many ways of reflecting on an institution that has lived through a hundred years. Much can be said about McKim’s vision for an American Academy in Rome where “carefully selected Americans” could go “for contact and research,” afterward returning “to become a true leaven in America.” We have held to this steady course, and although the mode of operating has evolved over the years, we remain dedicated to fostering excellent people whose destiny it is to establish a relationship with Rome.

The book that follows summarizes the past, but mostly makes known the Academy’s present, which is to say, it makes known our worlds, our community and our support. Certain people and, in many cases, their descendants have seen us through our formative years, and we now depend on them as we enter our second century. Each generation has brought a new group of Fellows and Residents, committed supporters and subscribers, and the Academy is, finally, these individuals.

This mammoth hardcover publication lists the names, professional affiliations, and short biographies of the men and women who spent time at the American Academy in Rome as a Fellow, Resident, Affiliated Fellow, staff member, or Trustee. It was published to accompany the one hundredth anniversary of the Academy, in 1994.