ITALY: Rome's Borghese Palace

 I have been to Rome before, but, I had never heard of the Borghese Palace, so it was a new place for me to explore. 

I now ask myself, "How is it that I had never heard of the Borghese Palace before?"

Villa Borghese and its park were commissioned in 1605 by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, nephew of Pope Paul V. The Cardinal wanted to create a villa with the largest garden ever built in Rome since antiquity. 

Cardinal Scipione Borghese, acquiring adjacent vineyards and land, began to transform it into the largest park in Rome with the aim of making it the symbol of the grandeur and prestige of the Borghese family. The Villa was to exceed in wealth and splendor all the other noble residences of Rome. 

Centuries and generations of families later, the art collection and gardens grew. The gardens and home are now open to the public.

This is in the entrance and is one of many astounding works that greeted guests upon arrival to the home. 

The caliber of the collection is astounding. And even more astounding is the wealth of the family required to collect these incredible works of art by prominent artists.

The most striking and memorable works of art for me were the sculptures. 

This is by Bernini and is a sculpture of David before he slays Goliath. 

Look at the concentration in his face as he looks at his opponent and calculates his mission.

Out of stone Bernini creates the motion before the sling shot is released. 

This one is by Canova and is Paulina Borghese Bonaparte as Venus. I love how he has created soft folds in the mattress and soft pillows out of hard stone. It looks so soft and comfortable that you just want to lay down and enjoy the comfortable bed. 

This is another one by Bernini and is the mythical Apollo and Daphne as she turns into a laurel tree. There is motion of their bodies and clothing as he tries to hold on to her. 

You can see her toes turning into tree roots, her fingers turning to leaves and the bark forming on her skin. Amazing how someone can bring their passion and turmoil to life out of stone.

And I also love Bernini's representation of the Rape of Proserpine. 

Look at her face, the tear on her cheek. Look at how she is pushing him away with her hand and how it distorts his face. Look at his face and smile and how he knows he will get what he wants. Look at how his hands grip her thigh and leaves marks in her flesh.

The Borghese collection isn't just sculptures. There is a phenomenal art collection as well. A couple of my highlights:

Caravaggio's self portrait as Bacchus. 

Rubens' Suzanna and the Elders

And the man who can be credited with the vision of the collection, Cardinal Scipione Borghese, sculpted by Bernini.

Now that I know about the Borghese Palace, I will definitely go if I am in Rome again.