Felice Cavallotti
Alcibiade, la critica e il secolo di Pericle
lettera di Felice Cavallotti a Yorick figlio di Yorick
"Alcibiade, la critica e il secolo di Pericle" by Felice Cavallotti is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The work appears to reflect on the life and political intricacies of ancient Athens, particularly focusing on the figure of Alcibiades and the era dominated by Pericles, exploring themes of art, critique, and societal values. The opening suggests a rich examination of political philosophy and critique, blending historical narrative with personal commentary. The opening of the text presents a letter addressed to "Yorick, son of Yorick," in which the author humorously defends his work against various critics. Cavallotti reflects on the subjective nature of artistic criticism, highlighting the challenges faced by artists like himself in the "arena of art." He criticizes the often arbitrary judgments of critics who lack true understanding and passion for the art they evaluate, and he hints at the historical and moral responsibilities of artists. Through this dialogue with Yorick, Cavallotti sets a tone of introspection and critique of both the artistic scene and the socio-political context of ancient Athens, ultimately seeking to clarify the intentions behind his own artistic endeavors.