Rodolfo Vantini e l’insegnamento dell’ornato a Brescia nel XIX secolo: repertori e modelli per la Scuola degli scalpellini a Rezzato

In 1839, thanks to the economic and cultural support of Rodolfo Vantini, a school for stonemasons was established in Rezzato (Brescia), an area rich in a very pure limestone. During the development of the school teaching plane, Vantini takes example from the experience of the Academy of Brera in Milan, and in particular from Giocondo Albertolli courses. The repertories of decoration, published by Brera teachers between the Eighteenth and Nineteenth centuries, became the main study references for young Brescia students. The current study, conducted in the most important archives of the city of Brescia and at the current location of the school in Rezzato, clarified the teaching organization and the educational objectives established by Vantini. The article presents an unpublished interpretation of this documentation, obtained providing examples of the direct use by students of the cited repertories of decoration. The documents also pay a great attention to Brescia Sixteenth century architectural heritage and provides important links with Rodolfo Vantini professional activity.