A Stunning Exhibiton at Palazzo Barberini
The Tandem Spirits spent another beautiful day in Rome recently. We have seen the works of Caravaggio in some of the churches in Rome, so we were excited to see the exhibit at the Palazzo Barberini. Michelangelo Merisi da Caravaggio, born in 1571 in Milan, was a revolutionary Italian Baroque painter renowned for his dramatic use of light and shadow, known as chiaroscuro.
We took the train from Foligno and leisurely strolled from the Termini station to the museum. We had enough time for a cappuccino and a cornetto at the museum café.
The exhibit was spectacular. It was not a large exhibit, but some of the paintings had come from far flung places such as Texas and Missouri, and some were from private collections, including one from King Charles III’s. In fact his was the only one that listed ownership. This is a popular exhibit, there were a lot of people. We’ve learned that you have to be patient, figure out which direction the hoard is moving, and position yourself ahead of it or behind it. Caravaggio’s paintings always pull us in. His trademark dark backgrounds are a perfect contrast to the vibrant colors or exquisite details in the fabrics. Other small details also draw you in such as the sheet music or the playing cards.
Lunch at Angie's Restaurant
We had delicious lunch at Angie’s Restaurant, which was near the Spanish Steps. We started with fried Zucchini flowers and had both ordered fish for the main course, Baked Sea Bream with tomatoes, olives and capers. After waiting for some time, the manager came to our table and explained that the waiter had made a mistake when placing our order and had ordered the Sea Bream baked in salt, a much more expensive dish. He apologized and said if we wanted it, the price would be the same as the ones we ordered. The presentation was quite impressive. The fish is brought to the table encrusted in salt and the waiters crack the thick salt crust, remove it, and then debone and plate the fish.
A Walk Through Rome
After our larger than expected lunch, we strolled up to Piazza del Popolo, then down Via del Corso where we stopped into the Chiesa di San Giacomo in Augusta. There was a youth Mass in progress when we arrived, so we just snapped a few photos from the back.
National Museum of Rome Palazzo Massimo
We have been meaning to visit the National Museum of Rome Palazzo Massimo for some time. It is near the Termini train station, and we have seen many of the other sites in this area. We had over an hour before the scheduled departure of our train back to Foligno, so we took the opportunity to check it out. The entrance fee is only 8€ and is well worth it. The museum is three full floors of antiquities – marbles, bronzes, mosaics, sarcophagi, reliefs and other archeological treasures dating back to the early Roman Republic. We only had time to admire the works displayed on the first and part of the second floor, but we will definitely return for a longer visit.
You made it some of our favorite places i Rome, hopefully also to San Luigi dei francesci which has 2 fantastic Carrivagiio paintings. I’m also amazed that you were able to take photos at the exhibit. You guys have more fun! Can we go on an adventure with you this year? We will be in Pienza 1 June-about 30 November. Have a meaningful Easter.
Hi Roger and Carol, so nice to hear from you and it’s great to hear you’ll be coming back this year! And, I’m sure we can organize an adventure while you’re here!!!
We are headed to Lucca for Pasqua with both sets of cousins.