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Borghese Gallery artworks | Highlights and top collections
More about the art collector, Cardinal Scipione Borghese
Cardinal Scipione Borghese (1577–1633), an erudite and keen art collector of his time, founded the museum's collection. It was originally housed at the cardinal's mansion near St Peter's, but it was moved to his new villa outside on Pincian Hill in the 1620s. The collection of Borghese Gallery artworks consist of over 800 paintings, close to a hundred sculptures and various other artifacts. Visitors can expect to see works by famous artists such as Caravaggio, Raphael and Titian, as well as ancient Roman art.
Explore Borghese Gallery's history in detailBorghese Gallery paintings
More than 800 paintings are a part of the Borghese Gallery collection. Galleria Borghese's paintings are among the most exquisite in Italian Baroque and Renaissance styles. Here are some of the top paintings to look out for at the gallery.
Young Woman with a Unicorn
Artist: Raphael
Location: Room 9
Raphael's Young Woman with a Unicorn painting grabs the eye with the subject's striking blue eyes and calm face. Experts debated her identity for years without a definitive answer. Comparisons to Da Vinci's Mona Lisa arise due to similarities in pose and background. The unicorn symbolizes purity, adding depth to the artwork.
David with the Head of Goliath
Artist: Caravaggio
Location: Room 8
Caravaggio's remarkable self-portrait was painted during his fugitive years. It depicts David holding Goliath's severed head, which is believed to symbolize Caravaggio himself. The contrast between vibrant David and desolate Goliath showcases Caravaggio's mature artistry, marked by dark tones and intense emotion.
Amor Sacro and Amor Profano
Artist: Titian
Location: Room 20
Titian's masterpiece displays two distinct female figures representing sacred and profane love. The painting contrasts innocence and sensuality, highlighting Titian's skill in depicting contrasting emotions through rich color and exquisite detailing.
Borghese Gallery sculptures
The Borghese Gallery's sculpture collection is a testament to the enduring power of art and the skill of the artists who created these masterpieces. Whether you're a fan of Baroque, Renaissance, or classical sculpture, you're sure to be impressed by the quality and variety of the works on display.
Abduction of Proserpina
Artist: Bernini
Location: Room 4
At just 23 years old, Bernini sculpted one of his most celebrated works, depicting the tragic abduction of Proserpina by Pluto (this painting is also called the Rape of Proserpina). This 7.5-foot marble sculpture, crafted from unique Carrara marble, exudes an ironic softness. Influenced by the Baroque style, Bernini's lifelike portrayal captures anguish in Proserpina's face, Pluto's tense muscles and the dramatic motion of flesh.
Apollo and Daphne
Artist: Bernini
Location: Room 3
This sculpture portrays the tragic myth of Apollo pursuing the nymph Daphne, who transforms into a tree to evade him after being struck by Cupid's arrow. It skillfully captures motion and transformation, blending human and tree-like elements and vividly depicting Daphne's gradual metamorphosis.
Statue of Paolina Borghese
Artist: Canova
Location: Room 1
The statue portrays Napoleon's sister reclining as Venus. Crafted in marble, this neoclassical masterpiece exhibits lifelike elegance and sensuality. Canova's meticulous detailing captures both beauty and emotion, showcasing the grace of classical artistry in a timeless form.
Borghese Gallery artworks | Other unmissable highlights
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Frequently asked questions about Borghese Gallery artworks
How many pieces of art are there at the Borghese Gallery?
Borghese Gallery consists of over 800 paintings and close to a hundred sculptures.
When did Borghese Gallery acquire its first artworks?
The collection of the Borghese Gallery was largely collected in the early 17th century.
What are the most famous paintings at Borghese Gallery?
Some of the most famous paintings at Borghese Gallery are Portrait of Paul V and John in the Wilderness by Caravaggio, Deposition by Raphael, Danaë by Correggio, and The Last Supper by Jacopo Bassano.
What are the most famous sculptures at Borghese Gallery?
Some of the most famous sculptures at Borghese Gallery are Aeneas, Anchises, Ascanius, La Verità, Ratto di Proserpina, and David by Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Pauline Bonaparte by Antonio Canova, and Marcus Curtius Throwing Himself into the Chasm by Pietro Bernini.
What types of work are a part of the Borghese collection?
The Borghese Collection consists mainly of Renaissance and Baroque-style paintings and sculptures, as well as various other artifacts collected by Cardinal Scipione Borghese and then added by the Gallery itself.
How long will it take to see the entire Borghese collection?
It would take about two hours to explore the Borghese Collection.
What are the best artworks from the Borghese collection?
The best artworks in the Borghese collection include David by Bernini, Pauline Bonaparte by Antonio Canova, Marcus Curtius Throwing Himself into the Chasm by Pietro Bernini, Danaë by Correggio, and The Last Supper by Jacopo Bassano.
Is the entire Borghese collection on display?
No, the entire Borghese Collection is not on display at one single time at Borghese Gallery as a part of the collection was acquired by the Louvre in 1807. Now, owing to some restoration work, part of the gallery has also been moved to Palazzo Barberini.
How old is the Borghese collection?
The Borghese Collection was started in the early 17th century, but the collection also includes pieces from as far back as the 2nd century BCE.