The Borghese Gallery

Located midst the trees of Rome’s favourite public park is the Borghese Gallery, a treasure trove of artistic gems, a remarkable collection which was first begun by Renaissance Cardinal Scipione Borghese. Building on “Villa Borghese” was commissioned by this patron of the arts precisely to house one of the largest and most impressive art collections in Europe.

Bearing this in mind and the fact the paintings and sculptures are not exhibited in according to any special criteria or in any particular order, chronological or otherwise, the exhibition however reflects the refined taste and intentions of its former proprietors.

On view are some of the finest masterpieces of western art including a series of Gian Lorenzo Bernini’s sculptures commissioned by the cardinal (Aeneas, The Rape of Proserpina, Apollo and Daphne and David); Titian’s canvas Sacred and Profane Love; Caravaggio paintings including David with the Head of Goliath and the Canova’s sculpture of the reclining Pauline Borghese, Napoleon’s favourite sister, who is holding an apple in her hand evoking the Venus Victrix in the judgement of Paris.