Alcova

Beautiful

The evocative "Camera dell'Alcova" is located in the majestic Renaissance Palazzo Corsini, dating back to the first half of the 17th century. The Corsini Gallery, part of the two National Galleries of Ancient Art, is currently housed in Rione XIII (Trastevere) at Via della Lungara 10. Palazzo Corsini was built by order of Cardinal Neri Maria Corsini and his brother, expanding the existing 16th-century Palazzo Riario, purchased in 1736. The Corsini Gallery is unique in that it is the only 18th-century art collection in Rome in its original layout. The expansion work was entrusted to architect Ferdinando Fuga, who transformed it into a sumptuous 18th-century palace over a period of fifteen years. One of the most significant rooms for its history and architectural beauty is the "Camera dell'Alcova" (Alcove Room), on the main floor of the building, where important works are displayed. But its importance is given by the fact that it is the only one remaining with its original decoration from the 16th-century Palazzo Riario, this being a significant historical event as Queen Christina of Sweden (1659–1689) lived there, having gone into exile in Rome after converting to Catholicism. The beautiful decorations of the vault are impressive, depicting "The Stories of Solomon and Moses" from the school of Federico Zuccari (second half of the 16th century). I would like to highlight some masterpieces admired during my visit in March 2023: • The moving "St. Sebastian Healed by Angels" (1602–1604) – Oil on canvas by Peter Paul Rubens (1577–1640). • The poignant and delicate "Madonna del Latte" (circa 1670) – oil on canvas by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (1617–1682). • The moving "Bust of Alexander VII" (1657) – a terracotta work attributed to Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598–1680). • A work of beautiful colors and a splendid scenographic composition, "Rebecca and Eliezer at the Well" (circa 1695) – oil on canvas by Carlo Maratti (1625–1713) Overall, the "Camera dell'Alcova" is a gem set in this exciting "Galleria Corsini," rich in history and architecturally and artistically significant. NOTE: The National Galleries of Ancient Art are a single museum with two galleries: Corsini and Barberini. A single ticket, currently €12 (March 2023), houses thousands of works.

It's part of the short but intense tour of the Palazzo Corsini's rich gallery, yet it's a unique gem in itself. After the much-vaunted fireplace room (the doors, in my opinion, are the most original artwork on display), you enter a seemingly darker, narrow room that actually encloses a small loggia with a magnificent frescoed vault. The famous and controversial Queen of Sweden stayed and died here for a long time during her long stay in Rome. The furnishings and works on display aren't unusual, but everything is beautiful, and the loggia effect created by the columns is truly stunning. Don't just walk through, but take a good look at the ceiling from below; it's a visit worth taking with your nose up. Check out the photos and videos I've posted and the other reviews I've written about Rome and its wonders. If I've been helpful, click "helpful," and if you'd like, follow me.