Very famous Works of Art that you didn’t know were in Rome (must-see)
World-Famous paintings, sculptures, places that you have certainly heard about but didn’t know that were in Rome. These are “must-see” masterpieces in the city of the Pope.
PAINTINGS
The School of Athens
Artist: Raphael
Exhibition: Vatican Museums, Raphael Rooms
Raphael’s masterpiece adorns the walls of the Vatican Museums, depicting a harmonious gathering of great philosophers and intellectuals from ancient Greece. This fresco epitomizes the Renaissance spirit and showcases Raphael’s mastery of composition and perspective.
The Creation of Adam
Exhibition: Sistine Chapel, Vatican Museums
Artist: Michelangelo
One of the most recognizable frescoes in the world, Michelangelo’s masterpiece adorns the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel. The iconic image of God reaching out to touch Adam’s hand is a powerful representation of divine creation and human potential
The Triumph of Galatea
Exhibition: Villa Farnesina
Artist: Raphael
Raphael’s fresco in the Villa Farnesina tells the story of Galatea, a sea nymph, surrounded by gods and cherubs.
Judith Beheading Holofernes
Exhibition: Galleria Nazionale d’Arte Antica, Palazzo Barberini
Artist: Caravaggio
This powerful and visceral painting portrays the biblical heroine Judith beheading the Assyrian general Holofernes. Caravaggio’s masterful depiction of bloodshed and intense emotions leaves a lasting impression on those who encounter it.
The Conversion of Saint Paul
Exhibition: Church of Santa Maria del Popolo
Artist: Caravaggio
In this dynamic masterpiece, Caravaggio captures the pivotal moment of Saint Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus. The dramatic use of light and shadow, combined with the intense expressions of the figures, creates a sense of divine revelation.
Portrait of Pope Innocent X
Exhibition: Galleria Doria Pamphilj
Artist: Diego Velázquez
This striking portrait by Velázquez captures the stern and commanding presence of Pope Innocent X. The artist Francis Bacon made a controversial distorted version of this in 1953.
World-Famous paintings, sculptures, places that you have certainly heard about but didn’t know that were in Rome. These are “must-see” masterpieces in the city of the Pope.
SCULPTURES
Venus Victrix
Exhibition: Galleria Borghese
Artist: Antonio Canova
Canova’s neoclassical sculpture depicts Venus, the goddess of love, in a famous graceful pose. The marble sculpture’s exquisite craftsmanship and delicate features embody the beauty and elegance of classical art.
The Pietà
Exhibition: St. Peter’s Basilica, Vatican City
Artist: Michelangelo
This iconic sculpture, housed within St. Peter’s Basilica, portrays the Virgin Mary cradling the lifeless body of Jesus. Michelangelo’s mastery of marble brings forth profound emotion and captures the sorrow and compassion of the scene.
Ecstasy of Saint Teresa
Exhibition: Santa Maria della Vittoria church
Artist: Gian Lorenzo Bernini
This statue takes center stage in the movie Angels and Demons directed by Ron Howard.
Apollo and Daphne
Exhibition: Galleria Borghese
Artist: Gian Lorenzo Bernini
Bernini’s masterpiece captures the dramatic transformation of Daphne into a laurel tree to escape the pursuit of Apollo. The sculpture’s dynamic composition, intricate textures, and lifelike depiction of the figures demonstrate Bernini’s unrivaled talent as a sculptor.
The Rape of Proserpina
Exhibition: Galleria Borghese
Artist: Gian Lorenzo Bernini
This extraordinary sculpture depicts the abduction of Proserpina by Pluto, the god of the underworld. The tension of the scene and the remarkable details of the hands make this artwork a masterpiece of baroque sculpture.
Medusa
Exhibition: Capitoline Museums
Artist: Gian Lorenzo Bernini
Bernini’s marble sculpture portrays the menacing figure of Medusa, the Gorgon with snakes for hair. The intricate details, expressive facial features, and the sense of movement are typical of Bernini.
Angel with the Superscription
Exhibition: Sant’Andrea delle Fratte
Artist: Gian Lorenzo Bernini
Located in the church of Sant’Andrea delle Fratte, Bernini’s sculpture depicts an angel holding the inscription that Pontius Pilate placed on the cross during the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.
The Discobolus
Exhibition: National Roman Museum, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme
Artist: Unknown
This Roman copy of a lost Greek original portrays an athlete in the moment of throwing a discus. The Discobolus serves as a testament to the Greeks’ admiration for the human form and their celebration of athletic achievements. Its influence has spanned centuries, inspiring countless artists and leaving an indelible mark on the world of art.
The Boxer at Rest
Exhibition: National Roman Museum, Palazzo Massimo alle Terme
Artist: Unknown
This ancient Greek sculpture depicts a weary boxer resting after a fight. The sculpture’s battered and exhausted appearance, along with the detailed depiction of the boxer’s physique, captures the physical and emotional toll of the sport, providing a glimpse into ancient athletic culture.
Cupid and Psyche
Exhibition: Capitoline Museums
Artist: Unknown
The statue of Cupid and Psyche in the Capitoline Museums in Rome depicts a scene from classical mythology. It portrays the mythical lovers, Cupid (also known as Eros) and Psyche, in an intimate embrace. The story of Cupid and Psyche originates from Roman mythology and revolves around the trials and tribulations of their forbidden love. This statue has inspired Canova to create his famous version of the scene.
World-Famous paintings, sculptures, places that you have certainly heard about but didn’t know that were in Rome. These are “must-see” masterpieces in the city of the Pope.
OTHERS
The Mouth of Truth
Location: Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin
Artist: Unknown
The Mouth of Truth, a large marble disc with a carved face, is located in the portico of the Basilica di Santa Maria in Cosmedin. Legend has it that the stone would bite the hand of anyone telling a lie. This ancient relic attracts visitors who test their truthfulness by inserting their hand into the mouth.
The City of Tivoli
Location: Near Rome
The city of Tivoli, located near Rome, is renowned for its breathtaking natural and architectural beauty. Its picturesque landscapes, including the stunning Villa d’Este and Hadrian’s Villa, have inspired numerous places around the world bearing the same name. Exploring Tivoli allows visitors to witness the convergence of history, art, and nature in a truly remarkable setting.