Farnesian splendors. The Rain Nymphaeum rediscovered

The exhibition Farnesian Splendors. The Nymphaeum of Rain rediscovered in the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum, curated by Alfonsina Russo, Roberta Alteri and Alessio De Cristofaro, marks the conclusion of a program of activities and events to enhance the Archaeological Park itself which began at the end of last October, with the reopening to the public of the Nymphaeum of the Rain in the Horti Palatini Farnesiorum on the Palatine.

The exhibition itinerary, through paintings, ancient drawings, prints, bronze sculptures, art objects and also innovative digital devices - such as a multimedia installation that seeks to virtually recreate the effect of a Wunderkammer - reconstructs the meanings and uses of the Nymphaeum and all the Farnesian Gardens at the moment of their greatest splendor, that is, between the second half of the 16th and 17th centuries. The exhibition thus allows visitors to plunge themselves in the life and atmosphere of the time, so as to be able to learn both the history of the Orti and the Farnese family, and the mentality and vision of the world that characterized the Italian aristocracy between the late Renaissance period and the seventeenth century.

Located in the center of what were among the most renowned aristocratic gardens in Europe, the Nymphaeum, designed by the architect Girolamo Rainaldi, was a space which, inspired by the gardens of ancient Rome and the early Renaissance, was used by the Farnese family - especially in the summer season - as a space for celebrations and leisure. The guests of the Nymphaeum could thus enjoy the cool dim light and the harmonious sound of the Rain fountain in a large semi-subterranean room decorated with frescoes and ancient sculptures.

In designing the exhibition, a specific commitment was also dedicated to the recovery of documents and works that had a direct relationship with the Nymphaeum, the Gardens and the Farnese family.

A catalog published by Palombi Editori, which describes the new research on the Nymphaeum of the Rain and all the general historical and cultural meanings of the Farnesian Gardens, acts as a corollary to this wonderful exhibition.

Photo credits: courtesy of the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum