The smile of the acanthus

How does the acanthus, an apparent commonplace decorative element in art history, speak to us differently if we look at it in a different way? Responding to the challenge launched by the Museum of Lisbon – Roman Theatre, Sara Domingos developed a research and artistic creation project based on the plant motifs present in the Museum's collection and building. The result expected might have been predictable if Sara hadn't long accustomed us to deep dives of research through seemingly hidden realms. Under a mysterious disguise built up over time, the acanthus adapted to show that the whole Mediterranean had come to Rome. In Lisbon, in this westernmost part of the Roman Empire where Felicity was greatest, the acanthus could only smile.