The Albani Antinous

This drawing was based on a relief found in Hadrian’s villa in 1753. This relief has become known as the 'Albani Antinous' because it was later acquired by Cardinal Albani. It is still in the Villa Albani. Campaglia made a lucrative living out of drawing antique sculpture, sometimes for reproduction as engravings or illustrated guidebooks to important collections. More often they were sold to visitors to Rome on the Grand Tour as souvenirs of their travels. Campaglia also made a living by offering drawing lessons to these wealthy tourists. This drawing was one of over 100 drawings by the artist acquired by the distinguished collector of antique sculpture, William Lock (1732-1810). Some of these were later purchased by David Pennant (1763-1841). This is one of the artworks presented by the Liverpool Royal Institution. Liverpool’s economic development grew directly from Britain’s involvement with transatlantic slavery: the kidnapping, enslavement and forced migration of people from West Africa to the Americas and many to the Caribbean. Many members of the Royal Institution made their fortunes directly through the trade or indirectly through the wider economy. This wealth was largely how they were able to bring rare art and treasures, such as this, to the city.