Italian
The review “Classics at the Museum,” part of the Mythos 2026 festival program, is coming to a close with a final event hosted at the Bailo Museum in Treviso, dedicated to the painting of Francesco Hayez and the literature of Statius. The event is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27 at 7 PM.
TREVISO (TV) – The series “Classics at the Museum” concludes with an event dedicated to art and literature, part of the “Mythos Olympia 2026” festival program, directed by Giovanna Cordova and supported by Banca Prealpi SanBiagio. The final meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 27 at 7 PM at the Bailo Museum in Treviso. An evening focused on the works of Francesco Hayez and the epic poem by Statius will be hosted.
The protagonist of the event will be the painting “Family Portrait,” considered the first work created by Francesco Hayez in 1807. Leading the audience in the analysis of the painting will be the Treviso art historian Eugenio Manzato, who will illustrate its history, details, and artistic value. Alongside the path dedicated to painting, there will also be a focus on literature with Alberto Pavan, a historical-literary communicator and teacher at the Canova classical high school in Treviso, who will present a reading from Statius’s “Thebaid.” The readings will be performed by the actors of Tema Cultura Academy, who will guide the audience through the atmospheres of the poem with a theatrical performance.
At the end of the evening, as per the tradition of the event, an aperitif will be offered to the participants, providing an opportunity for discussion and sharing of the suggestions that emerged during the event. For this occasion, the entrance ticket to the museum will have a reduced cost of 8 euros and will include the presentation, reading, and aperitif.
“Classics at the Museum” continues to confirm itself as a valued formula, capable of connecting local realities united by their interest in culture. The goal of the Mythos 2026 festival, supported by Banca Prealpi SanBiagio, is to enhance the local cultural heritage through collaboration between public entities and private subjects engaged in artistic and cultural promotion.
Between Francesco Hayez, “Family Portrait”…
Curated by Eugenio Manzato, the work is presented as an oil on canvas measuring 134 x 94.5 centimeters, cataloged in the Bailo museum collection with the subtitle “Group of the painter’s family with first self-portrait.” Located at the end of the museum path dedicated to daily life, it stands out for its ability to convey the intimacy and warmth of the domestic environment. Hayez created it at just sixteen years old, in 1807, as noted by the inscription placed on the front in 1864. The painting features the artist’s mother and aunt seated on a Venetian sofa, while two children are depicted in the foreground. In the background, leaning against the sofa, appears Hayez himself. The work was purchased at the end of the nineteenth century by Abate Bailo for his personal collection and, after his death, entered the Treviso civic collections.
… and Statius, “Thebaid”
In line with the theme of the Olympic games chosen by the Mythos 2026 festival, Alberto Pavan will guide the audience through Statius’ “Thebaid,” focusing on the competitions organized in honor of a child who died accidentally, Ofelte, son of the rulers of Nemea, Lycurgus and Eurydice. The newborn, momentarily left unattended by the nurse, was killed by a snake. In his honor, seven athletic contests were organized: chariot races, running, discus throw, boxing, wrestling, dueling, and archery.
The themes addressed in the reading are also present in the essay “The Games in Statius’ Thebaid,” written by Alberto Pavan within the publication “Olympia, the Myth of Sport. Meanings, Values, Issues between War and Peace from the Heroes of Homer to Our Time,” edited by Alberto Camerotto, Enrico Chies, and Valeria Melis, and produced by Ca’ Foscari University of Venice – Department of Humanities in collaboration with the Mythos Classical Theatre Festival.
The event will therefore offer the opportunity to experience an immersive journey between art and literature within the evocative setting of the Bailo Museum in Treviso, addressing culture enthusiasts and those who wish to explore new artistic and literary paths.
Reservations via email: segreteria@temacultura.it
