OTTAWA, ON.- Since the Renaissance, Rome has attracted generations of painters and sculptors. Eighteenth–century Rome was a main crossroads for the European community and a major source of cultural influences. It was a favoured destination, not only for French artists, but for art lovers and connoisseurs. Until 2 January 2012, the National Gallery of Canada, in collaboration with France ‘s Musée des beaux-arts de Caen , presents Drawn to Art: French Artists and Art Lovers in 18th Century Rome . This exhibition will allow visitors to discover the Eternal City ‘s influence on the work of French artists during a period in which artists, patrons, politicians and other members of the elite lived at close quarters, united in their love of art. “Rome has always been a special place for artists from all over the world, and the artists of 18th century France were no exception,” said NGC director Marc Mayer. “The cultural hub