LECTURE: Rome, its architecture and its decoration

Classical Rome, its power, politics and philosophy were expressed through its architecture and art. Countless European leaders since the first century have emulated the style, and created their own ideas of the grandeur that was Ancient Rome. Roman architecture remains in what Byron described as “ruinous perfection”, an oxymoron that perfectly encompasses the response of a Grand Tourist in the 18th century, and probably also today. From the time of the Renaissance, artists sought not merely to emulate ancient masters, but to surpass them. From Fra Angelico, who painted ‘modern’ Florentine architectural ideas in his Vatican frescoes, through (amongst others) the work of Michelangelo, Raphael, Bernini and Caravaggio, artists made pointed references to classical art that would be immediately understood by their contemporaries. During the 18th century excavation began at Pompeii and Herculaneum creating a whole new understanding of how art was used in decoration for rulers and for more modest folk. This knowledge would become the mark of the educated gentleman and is expressed in countless National Trust properties throughout England. By the end of the course you should be able to plan an itinerary for a week spend in Rome. We shall discuss palazzo, churches and villas that can be visited and of course these are the repertories of the best art. To book, please send an enrolment slip stating your name, address, email and telephone number, with a cheque payable to Mrs H Foster, Minerva, Bayford Court, Bayford Hill, Wincanton BA9 9GY by Wednesday 10 September 2014. –