Looking Back On A Summer In Rome
A fraction of photographs from a five week long drawing seminar in Rome. It was a time of both intense learning and profound liberty — the sort of experience that shapes not just one’s design sensibilities but one’s approach to living well.
Our days were wonderfully regimented: architectural observation, lessons in history, and sketching until the light began to fade, followed by the civilized necessity of aperitivo hour. Looking at these photographs now has made me terribly nostalgic— I rather think we all need a Roman holiday to find that student-flâneur balance again.
Gathering for an opening reception at the American University of Rome.
Bramante’s Tempietto, the height of Renaissance architectural ideals, its perfectly proportioned circular form drawing from ancient Roman temples while anticipating the design of St. Peter’s Basilica.
In the hushed grandeur of Santa Maria in Montesanto, a severed head hung suspended.
Inside the distinctive trapezoidal cortile of Palazzo Borghese
Soaking in the tourist energy on Via Sistina.
Looking out over Rome’s many domes from atop Vittoriano.
The pyramid never fails to inspire wonder; I’m always fascinated by their origins and the way these monumental forms appear across continents and cultures. There’s probably a dog toy idea somewhere in this.
Santo Stefano Rotondo, another remarkable round basilica and my chosen subject for an intensive analysis through drawing to conclude the seminar. The design sought to play with light and dark, with the rhythm of columns, windows, and occuli highlighted the altar while the ambulatory space was kept dim. I also recall a series of rather gruesome frescos depicting martyrdom… It’s funny what lingers in the memory.
Contrast of subdued ionic capitals along the ambulatory with radiant corinthians around the altar.
Interlude in gorgeous Capri.
Rationalism + fascism x neoclassicism.
Visiting Hadrian’s Villa in Tivoli. A breathtaking testament to the sheer power and wealth of an emperor who sought to recreate the wonders of the world within his own domain.
The Canopus—Hadrian’s recreation of the Nile—unfolds as a grand axial pool lined with columns and caryatids, designed as a stage for floating festivities evoking the mystique of Egypt. The opulence is staggering.
Villa d’Este, without a doubt, is one of the most breathtaking feats of water feature and landscape design I have ever experienced. The sheer extravagance of its cascading fountains, hidden grottos and terraced gardens is overwhelming.
Every corner unfolds a new marvel.
Peeking down from the cupola in St. Peter’s.
The formal gardens of Villa Lante.
Villa Farnese in the hilltop town of Caparola, one of the most striking examples of Mannerist architecture with the villa’s pentagonal form.
Incredible lighting washing over the grand, circular courtyard.
The Garden of Ninfa.
About an hour south of Rome—the lovely cloister and garden at Fossanova Abbey.
As the seminar comes to a close, we head to the shores of Lake Como.
Majestic views from the Airbnb.
