The Academy is housed in Villa Medici in the Borghese Park. It was created by French King Louis XIV in 1666. A French artist that proved his artist merit could get a scholarship to attend this exclusive academy in Rome-- the epicenter of Renaissance art.
Cheryl and I knew there would be artwork inside, but we weren't prepared for the gorgeous grounds that are hidden behind a high wall.
Now wonder Mussilini comfiscated this villa in 1941... wouldn't you want these fountains, statues and obelisks as your backyard?
The French eventually got their villa and school back, and French artists still study and work here for up to a year. This funny tree with boulders in it was some Frenchies idea of art (maybe the real art was some unsuspecting American who walked underneath and got smashed?)Cheryl and I didn't have to walk far to find beauty and art in and around the Villa
We saw this panorama painting of Rome skyline from the Academy and tried to duplicate it.
But we couldn't get the whole angle-- needed a wide lense or access to the upper floors of Villa Medici.
But we couldn't get the whole angle-- needed a wide lense or access to the upper floors of Villa Medici.
Also tried to copy this photo outside the Villa
But alas we needed more light
and more than a Sony point and shoot
After the French Revolution, Napoleon Bonaparte lived here in Villa Medici in the French Academy. His sister Pauline lived nearby at what is now the Borghese Museum. I am surprised that anything remains in either building as Napoleon was known for hauling precious Italian art back to the Louvre in Paris
I'm guessing the Egyptian obleisk was too bulky to carry back?
One of the great things about Italy is the quality of the natural light. You have to be here to experience it as it's impossible to describe but artists have tried to capture it. We were blessed to see the beauty of the light during this gorgeous fall afternoon. Thankfully neither an emperor or a dictator could take that away.
and more than a Sony point and shoot
After the French Revolution, Napoleon Bonaparte lived here in Villa Medici in the French Academy. His sister Pauline lived nearby at what is now the Borghese Museum. I am surprised that anything remains in either building as Napoleon was known for hauling precious Italian art back to the Louvre in Paris
I'm guessing the Egyptian obleisk was too bulky to carry back?
One of the great things about Italy is the quality of the natural light. You have to be here to experience it as it's impossible to describe but artists have tried to capture it. We were blessed to see the beauty of the light during this gorgeous fall afternoon. Thankfully neither an emperor or a dictator could take that away.
When I leave Rome, I will take back with me these memories: the umbrella pine, the Vatican dome in the dying light and frienships that span time and distance.
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