Ferrara and Farnese Rome
This was the last in a series on the Italian Renaissance courts led by Paula and Geof Nuttall. In the morning we looked at Ferrara with Paula focusing on the rulers from the D’Este family and the art and architect they commissioned. For most of the period the city was ruled by the Nicolli II and his sons, both legitimate and illegitimate. I loved Lionello with his distinctive mane of hair who commissioned six portraits medals of himself by Pisanello and owned pictures by Netherlandish artists. Also Borso who loved luxury and is shown in a fresco in the Palazzo Schifanoia which he decorated. So many great characters!
In the afternoon we turned to the Farnese family and in particular their time when Alessandro Farnese, Paul III was pope. Alessandro lived for 81 years from 1468-1549 during which time art changed completely. He used artists to establish the power of his family. Paul II led the fight against the reformation forming the Jesuits and overseeing the Council of Trent. He promoted the systematic archaeology of the ancient sites in Rome and collected classical sculpture. He commissioned the Last Judgment from Michelangelo and built the Pope’s private chapel which was also decorated by Michelangelo.
We also looked at Paul III’s sons who were all painted by Titian, although Titian is said not to like the family but wanted a papal office for his son. One son Alessandro commissioned a portrait of his mistress from Titian. He knew Titian’s Venus of Urbino as his sister was married to the Duke of Urbino so then commissioned The Danae as a rival to that.
Just too many stories to tell in a blog entry and a rich day full of ideas and lovely images.
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