There have been times when the general public was not only held in high regard, but was even courted: one need only think of the most famous painter of antiquity, Apelles, who displayed his paintings in the street and hid himself away to eavesdrop on the opinions of ordinary people. Even Leonardo da Vinci and Annibale Carracci subjected their works to the criticism of the common people, who never lie, according to the motto vox populi, vox dei.Yet, from the 18th century onwards, the idea emerged that the right to pass judgement on art was the exclusive preserve of that cultured elite who, from all over Europe, flocked to Italian cities to refine their taste, thanks above all to the opening of the most elegant princely collections. The wider public ended up being mocked and opposed by writers, connoisseurs and the artists themselves, who portrayed them as a vulgar and undignified rabble.Today, opportunities to enjoy art and participate in cultural life have grown exponentially, and museums, aware of the undeniable value of the masses, stage spectacular events and set up educational departments to attract as many visitors as possible. Whether celebrated or despised, their influence can no longer be ignored.It is from this premise that Oskar Bätschmann’s research begins. Through a rich variety of anecdotes, illustrations and writings from different eras, the author tells the story of the public that art history has yet to discover, bringing them to the fore as never before.
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