The artist created the original for Marchese Lodovico Gonzaga in 1468. Because it was so highly regarded, Mantegna made several other versions, including this smaller one, which was probably done for Ferdinando Carl, the last Duke of Mantua, around 1470-75. The painting is lent by the Barbara Piasecka Johnson Collection. This exhibition is included in the price of museum admission. Between 10,000 and 20,000 people have been crowding into New York's Central Park on four nights each summer for the past twenty-two years to enjoy fully staged productions of the great operatic master.
Access is free of charge.
Telling the story of a love triangle between Aida, a Nubian princess forced into slavery, Amneris, an Egyptian princess, and Radames, the soldier they both love, Aida features some of Broadway's best young talent and spare but powerful staging from Robert Falls, acclaimed for his fresh staging of Death of a Salesman. Aida was a big winner at the Tony Awards 2000, snagging Best Performance by a Leading Actress of a Musical for Heather Headley and Best Original Score. Tim Rice lyrics. Tickets may be purchased by phone with credit card. Additional thanks to the Castello di Rivoli of Turin.