Renaissance grotesques in Assisi

The Domus Propertius in Assisi,
a wonderful example of
Roman Art. 

By visiting the Roman homes you may be aware of where artists of all time took their inspiration for their patterns. In the long alley that takes to the "Viridarium" (tr. pleasure garden", see photo of a detail) of the Propertius' home in Assisi, it is possible to admire small frescoes in the shape of framed paintings as if it were a picture gallery. It is so modern that you may think of your home!

On the contrary to admire the original grotesques the place to go is the "Domus Aurea Neronis", the golden home of Nero in Rome. The story says that Renaissance artists like Raphael went to the home of Nero to get inspiration from its grotesques. Indeed the current ceramics pattern known as "Raffaellesco" comes from Raphael and the grotesques that he painted in the Vatican Rooms, specifically grotesques with dragons.

Grotesques in the Nero Home, where Raphael took
inspiration for his Renaissance grotesques. 

Currently in Rome there is an Exhibition about The Emperor Nero (from April 12th to September 18th 2011). The exhibition takes place in different places of the city including the Colisseum and where Nero actually lived. Funny enough I am thinking of the play on word of the famous computer program called "Nero burning". This is exactly what the exhitibion wants to do: rehabilitate the image of Nero, who was subject to a propaganda by the artistocracy of his time which has left an indelible mark about this emperor until today.

See also the official web site of the  Italian Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities  and the official website of the Italian Archaeological Heritage which has organized the event along with the publisher Electa. Famous Italian scholars have contributed to the event. Worth the visit! 

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- Original Posts by Roberta Niccacci -

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