Day90

Day 90.Mon 28th June.
Doria Pamphilj

The Doria Pamphilj gallery, in the Rococo palace of the same name is packed, wall to wall, floor to ceiling, with the most personal and enjoyable, collection of paintings and sculpture we have seen so far.
The hands down star of the show is the terrifying portrait of Pope Innocent X by Velasquez. It’s an image that is so familiar, but to be in the same room, well that penetrating stare cuts right through you.
A private collection, Innocent X is an early ancestor, with a gripping family history. We enjoy paintings by Titian, Caravaggio, Brueghel and sculptures by Bernini, a knockout collection.
A thoroughly relaxed audio commentary by Jonathan Pamphili (current heir apparent), manages to be learned, charming and highly informative.

Embroiled in a bitter family feud over inheritance, his wicked sister is trying to disinherit his (and his male partners) two adopted children. Civil partnerships and surrogacy are still illegal in Italy. Thanks to Papal string pulling, are likely to remain so for some time.
Popped into the Parthenon on the way home (as you do) a thrilling space but at 40degrees C, to hot to handle.

Berninis Elephant Statue.
Pamphilj Courtyard

The bathroom in the Wang?

Parthenon.