Rare books and prints at RISD Museum

The Museum of Art Rhode Island School of Design recently unveiled its latest exhibit, a display of rarely seen prints and books that capture the festivals of early modern Europe. “The Festive City,” drawn from the collections of the RISD Museum, the Brown University’s John Hay Library and collector Vincent J. Buonanno, depict the lavish festivals commissioned by the papal court, civic governments, aristocrats and others for special occasions. The images are marked by their presentations of architecture and fireworks and originally served to publicize the festivals to international audiences.