The exhibition reflects the most important Italian art movements and currents, from the Macchiaioli group to Dionysianism, from Symbolism to Italian Expressionism, from Futurism to Neoclassicism. The story of Italian art from the founding of the country in 1861 to the inter-war period of the 20th century is complemented by historical parallels with developments relevant to Latvia and a dialogue with treasures from the collection of the Latvian National Museum of Art.
The title of the exhibition, Italian Light, reflects a trend in the mid- and late 19th century, when light became a key element in the conceptual framework of several artistic movements. It is no coincidence that the late 19th century is known as the "years of light" in visual art, when fundamental changes took place in the purpose, content and form of art. Artists in both Italy and Latvia were fascinated by the ways in which light, or the lack of it, could be used to tell a story and achieve a particular mood.