Among the goals of 16thC artists and art patrons--the rich and famous of
Renaissance Rome-- was that of creating a contemporary city that was more
splendid and magnificent than ancient Rome had been. Thus, artists, architects, and their patrons were occupied with the "rebirth" of
Classical antiquity as they charted a new course for the building and
embellishment of Rome. This City Course examines the results of the Renaissance competition between the
ancient past and the Renaissance present with visits to the jewel of
Renaissance architecture, the
Tempietto, and the ‘love shack’ of 16C Rome's richest resident, the Villa Farnesina in Trastevere.
Lives of the Rich & Famous •
Who Was Who in the Renaissance?
Two hour City Course
The ancient Romans believed that their gods brought their city into being and
helped to make it the center of the western world. In a visit to the Capitoline Museum - the oldest public museum in the world - we'll get acquainted with the Roman
gods and their engaging stories. From Saturn to Hercules and from Romulus to Venus, we'll talk about the lives
and the loves of the gods. In a visit the Temple of Jupiter we'll delve into the lifestyles of the
immortals. And as we gaze across ancient Rome's downtown, the Forum Romanum, we'll discuss the precarious relationship between the Romans and the gods they
honored.
Those Gods Must Be Crazy •
What role did the Gods play in the Roman World?
Half Day City Course
Saints, Sinners & Superstars •
What's Renaissance art got to do with it?
Half Day City Course
The Baroque Reloaded •
Special Effects in the 17thC?
Half Day City Course
Body Buildings •
Did the ancient Romans work out?
Half Day City Course
All That Glitters •
How is Rome like a layer cake?
Half Day City Course
How is the Baroque art style related to Rome's long and complex history? Why do many believe that Gianlorenzo Bernini was the greatest sculptor who ever
lived and what does he have in common with his contemporary Caravaggio, an
artist who is seen to have revolutionized painting? We'll answer all these questions as we visit the Galleria Borghese, taking in the extraordinary art collection assembled by Cardinal Scipione
Borghese in the 17C. Our study of the early Baroque style will focus on five of Bernini's earliest
(and most astounding) works, as well as the six Caravaggio paintings that hang
in this remarkable museum.
Rock Star •
What makes an artist "go for Baroque?"
Two Hour City Course
