Galleria Borghese
Thursday June 13
The Galleria Borghese is one of the most important galleries in the world, home to a multitude of masterpieces.
They are very strict on what you take in – no bags, no drinks or food etc. My camera bag was unacceptable, but camera was OK, but you are not allowed to take photos, so you have to buy a book.
Unfortunately, unbeknown to me, my camera activated itself occasionally.
Even the ceilings are amazing. Difficult to decide if some were actual sculptures, or amazing 3D images.
They only allow 200 people in at a time, and you have to vacate after 2 hours. We were lucky in that we were on the first session at 9:00am, and were actually first through the door. The rooms were almost empty at that stage, so got a few photos before being yelled at.
The Rape of Proserpine – Bernini 1621
David with the head of Goliath – Caravaggio
Madonna with the snake – Caravaggio
The Herm of Bacchus. c1774 The torso is rare veined alabaster. Luigi Valadier made the bronze head, which formerly was gilded.