Falsificazioni E Collezioni Epigrafiche

The volume scrutinizes the phenomena of forgery and collection practices in the realm of epigraphy. It particularly focuses on how ancient inscriptions, both authentic and falsified, support historical claims or aesthetic needs in various contexts, from the Renaissance to colonial times. The volume pays special attention to Andrea Alciato's work and its critiques, analyzing his handling of both Christian and pagan inscriptions and revealing different attitudes towards textual transmission and adaptation. The investigation extends to the mobility and misappropriation of inscriptions, reflecting broader historical processes including colonial intellectual domination and the legitimization of cultural heritages. Through meticulous archival research and critical analysis, the book illuminates the continuous interplay between authentic artifacts and their imitations, questioning the evolving meanings of authenticity in historical scholarship.