Introduction
Salvatore Settis, a towering figure in the realm of classical archaeology and cultural heritage, has significantly influenced the academic and cultural landscape of Italy and beyond. Born on June 11, 1941, in Rosarno, Calabria, Settis has dedicated his life to the study and preservation of ancient art, classical traditions, and European iconography. His contributions extend beyond academia into the spheres of cultural policy and public intellectualism, making him one of the most respected and influential scholars of our time. This article delves into the life, work, and legacy of Salvatore Settis, exploring his academic journey, his role in cultural preservation, and the impact he has made on the global stage.
Early Life and Academic Foundations
Salvatore Settis was born in Rosarno, a small town in the province of Reggio Calabria, Italy. His early life in this culturally rich region undoubtedly influenced his later passion for archaeology and classical studies. Settis pursued his higher education at the prestigious Scuola Normale Superiore in Pisa, where he graduated with a degree in Classical Archaeology in 1963. This marked the beginning of a lifelong commitment to the study of ancient civilizations and their enduring influence on modern culture.
In 1965, Settis completed his diploma of specialization, further honing his expertise in archaeology. His early academic career was characterized by a deep engagement with the classical world, particularly the art and culture of ancient Greece and Rome. This period of intense study laid the foundation for what would become a distinguished career in academia and cultural preservation.
Academic Career and Contributions
Settis began his professional career as an assistant professor at the University of Pisa in 1968. His rapid ascent in academia saw him become a full professor of Greek and Roman Archaeology by 1976. Over the next several decades, Settis would leave an indelible mark on the academic world through his teaching, research, and leadership.
Between 1977 and 1981, Settis served as the director of the Institute of Archaeology and Dean of the Faculty of Arts and Philosophy at the University of Pisa. His leadership during this time helped to shape the institution’s focus on classical studies, ensuring that the study of ancient cultures remained at the forefront of academic inquiry.
Settis’ reputation as a scholar of classical archaeology and art history continued to grow, leading to his appointment as a professor of Classical Archaeology at the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa in 1985. This institution, known for its rigorous academic standards and focus on the humanities, became Settis’ academic home for many years. His influence extended far beyond the classroom, as he played a pivotal role in shaping the research agenda of the school and mentoring the next generation of scholars.
International Recognition and Leadership Roles
Settis’ academic excellence and leadership did not go unnoticed on the international stage. From 1994 to 1999, he served as the director of the Getty Center for the History of Art and the Humanities in Los Angeles, one of the world’s leading institutions for the study of art history. During his tenure, Settis helped to elevate the Getty Center’s profile as a hub for interdisciplinary research, fostering collaborations between scholars from various fields and promoting the study of classical art and its legacy.
In 1999, Settis returned to Italy to assume the role of director at the Scuola Normale Superiore di Pisa, a position he held until 2010. His leadership during this period was marked by a commitment to academic excellence and the promotion of cultural heritage. Settis’ tenure as director saw the Scuola Normale solidify its reputation as one of the leading institutions for the study of the humanities in Europe.
Settis’ contributions to the field of archaeology and art history have been recognized by numerous prestigious organizations. He is a member of the Deutsches Archäologisches Institut, the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, the Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei, and several other esteemed institutions. His work has been instrumental in shaping the study of classical art and its impact on European culture, earning him a place among the most respected scholars in his field.
Cultural Advocacy and Public Intellectualism
Beyond his academic achievements, Salvatore Settis has been a vocal advocate for the preservation of cultural heritage. His work in this area has had a profound impact on the way cultural institutions and governments approach the protection and promotion of historical sites and artifacts.
In the 2000s, Settis emerged as a leading figure in the fight against the commercialization and privatization of Italy’s cultural heritage. His writings and public statements, often published in major Italian newspapers such as La Repubblica and Il Sole 24 Ore, criticized government policies that he believed endangered Italy’s rich cultural legacy. Settis’ outspoken advocacy led to a broader public awareness of the importance of cultural preservation and the risks posed by neglect and exploitation.
One of Settis’ most influential contributions to the debate over cultural heritage was his book “Italia S.p.A. – L’assalto al patrimonio culturale” (2002). In this work, Settis argued that the Italian government’s policies were undermining the nation’s cultural assets, treating them as commodities to be sold rather than treasures to be protected. The book won the Viareggio Prize for Non-Fiction in 2003, further cementing Settis’ reputation as a leading voice in the field of cultural heritage.
Settis continued his advocacy in subsequent publications, including “Battaglie senza eroi. I beni culturali tra istituzioni e profitto” (2005). In this book, he expanded on his critique of the commercialization of cultural heritage, calling for greater public investment in the preservation of historical sites and artifacts. Settis’ work in this area has had a lasting impact on the way cultural heritage is perceived and managed in Italy and beyond.
Scholarly Contributions and Major Works
Salvatore Settis’ scholarly output is vast, encompassing numerous books, articles, and essays on a wide range of topics related to classical archaeology, art history, and cultural heritage. His work is characterized by a deep understanding of the classical world and its enduring influence on European culture.
One of Settis’ early major works is “La tempesta interpretata” (1978), in which he provides an in-depth analysis of Giorgione’s famous painting “La Tempesta”. In this book, Settis explores the iconography and meaning of the painting, offering new insights into its subject matter and the cultural context in which it was created.
In “La colonna Traiana” (1988), Settis examines the famous Trajan’s Column in Rome, a monumental work of Roman art that depicts the emperor Trajan’s military campaigns. Settis’ analysis of the column’s iconography and historical significance has made this book a key reference for scholars of Roman art and history.
Settis has also made significant contributions as an editor and curator. He served as the editor of the multi-volume series “Civiltà dei Romani” (1990-1993) and “I Greci. Storia, cultura, arte, società” (1996-2002), both of which are comprehensive studies of the art, culture, and society of ancient Rome and Greece. These works have become essential resources for scholars and students of classical antiquity.
In recent years, Settis has continued to explore the intersection of art, culture, and society in his work. His book “Se Venezia muore” (2014) is a powerful critique of the threats facing the city of Venice, including mass tourism and environmental degradation. In this work, Settis calls for urgent action to protect Venice’s unique cultural and environmental heritage, making a compelling case for the preservation of the city’s historical and artistic treasures.
Legacy and Continuing Influence
Salvatore Settis’ legacy extends far beyond his scholarly achievements. His work as a public intellectual and cultural advocate has had a profound impact on the way cultural heritage is perceived and managed in Italy and around the world. Settis’ efforts to protect and promote cultural heritage have inspired countless others to take up the cause, ensuring that the treasures of the past are preserved for future generations.
Today, Settis continues to be an influential voice in the field of cultural heritage. His writings and public statements remain widely read and respected, and his scholarship continues to shape the study of classical archaeology and art history. As a mentor and leader, Settis has also played a key role in training and inspiring the next generation of scholars, ensuring that his legacy will endure for many years to come.
Conclusion
Salvatore Settis’ life and work are a testament to the importance of cultural heritage and the role of the scholar in society. Through his academic achievements, public advocacy, and leadership, Settis has made an indelible mark on the study of classical antiquity and the preservation of cultural heritage. His contributions have not only enriched our understanding of the ancient world but have also helped to protect the treasures of the past for future generations. As we reflect on Settis’ life and legacy, it is clear that his influence will continue to be felt for many years to come.
