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Contents
Detailed Borghese Gallery history | From private collection to public treasure
History of the Borghese Gallery explained
The Borghese family's rise to prominence
16th Century
The Borghese family, with strong ties to the Roman Catholic Church, moved to Rome in the 16th Century and rapidly amassed wealth and prominence. In 1605, Camillo Borghese was elected as Pope (Pope Paul V) and soon after, through nepotism, he named his nephew Scipione Borghese, a Cardinal. Scipione was an avid collector of art and invested a major part of the wealth he had acquired through papal fees and taxes into expanding the family's art collection.
Scipione Borghese's art collection
Early 17th Century
Scipione Borghese, a Cardinal, had enough wealth to invest in art due to his significant position in the Vatican government. He began his private collection of art, amassed from all over the country. His eye for exquisite, unique art was impeccable, which he used for commissioning and collecting sculptures and paintings during his lifetime. The Cardinal was known to imprison artists or use coercion and threats to collect their art. Most of his art collection is what one would see on display at the Borghese Gallery today.
Explore Borghese Gallery's artworks
Iconic sculptures commissioned by the Cardinal
Early 17th Century
The Cardinal, in particular, took an interest in the works of a young Gianlorenzo Bernini. He commissioned several iconic sculptures, like Apollo and Daphne and The Rape of Proserpina, catapulting Bernini to fame. Caravaggio’s paintings were also an essential part of the Cardinal’s collection, which he obtained over the years and are displayed at the Borghese Gallery even today. Other artists he had an eye out for were the likes of Titian and Raphael.
Building the gallery
Early 17th Century
Construction of the Borghese Gallery began in the early 17th century, commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese as a way to showcase his vast collection of art in one place. The cardinal's passion for art led him to invest a significant portion of the family's wealth into his collection, which included works by some of the most renowned artists of the time. The gallery was designed as a suburban holiday villa with extensive gardens, which are now known as Villa Borghese.
See the Villa Borghese estate
Financial troubles of the Borghese family
19th Century
In the 19th Century, the Borghese family underwent financial troubles, and Prince Camillo Borghese sold many pieces from the gallery, which included masterpieces by renowned artists such as Raphael, Titian, and Caravaggio, to the French state. This marked a significant loss for the Borghese collection, and the gallery had to be reorganized with the remaining works. The Borghese Gladiator, renowned since the 1620s as the most admired single sculpture in Villa Borghese, and the Borghese Hermaphroditus were moved to the Louvre.
Borghese estate becomes a public art gallery
In 1902, the entire Borghese estate was acquired by the Roman government. The acquisition of the Borghese estate by the Roman government in 1902 allowed the public to have access to the magnificent collection of art and architecture amassed by the Borghese family. Today, the Borghese Gallery is one of Rome's most prized attractions, housing some of the most significant works of the Italian Renaissance and Baroque period. Visitors can appreciate and admire the collection's outstanding paintings, including works by Titian, Raphael, and Caravaggio, and sculptures by Bernini. The Villa Borghese, with its vast gardens and extensive art collection, remains an essential part of Rome's artistic and cultural heritage.
Frequently asked questions about Borghese Gallery history
Who was Cardinal Scipione Borghese, and why is he important to the gallery's history?
Cardinal Scipione Borghese, the nephew of Pope Paul V, was an influential figure in the Catholic Church and a renowned patron of the arts. He played a crucial role in the development of the Borghese Gallery, amassing an impressive collection of artworks by masters such as Caravaggio, Bernini, and Raphael. His vision and dedication to the arts were instrumental in shaping the gallery’s world-renowned collection.
How has the Borghese Gallery evolved over the centuries?
The Borghese Gallery has undergone several transformations since its inception. Originally a private villa and gallery for the Borghese family, it was later acquired by the Italian state in 1902. Since then, it has been converted into a public museum, with continuous efforts to preserve and restore its art collections and the historic villa itself.
What role did Villa Borghese play in the cultural life of Rome?
Villa Borghese, beyond being an art gallery, was a cultural hub in Rome during the 17th century. The museum and the wider Villa Borghese estate were places of entertainment, intellectual discussion, and artistic patronage, where the elite of Rome would gather. The estate served as a symbol of the Borghese family’s wealth, influence, and dedication to the arts.
What is the Borghese Gallery famous for?
The Borghese Gallery is famous for housing some of the world's finest paintings such as Dama Con Liocorno and Melissa. It also has some incredible sculptures such as Apollo and Daphne and David. Other works include Bernini’s The Rape of Proserpina, Caravaggio’s St. Jerome Writing and Raphael’s The Deposition. These masterpieces are not only highlights of the gallery’s collection but also key works in the history of Western art.
How did the gallery's collection survive through political changes in Italy?
The gallery’s collection survived numerous political changes, including the fall of the Papal States and the unification of Italy, due to the careful stewardship of the Borghese family and later the Italian government. While some pieces were lost to France during Napoleon’s reign, the majority of the collection remained intact and was eventually protected under Italian cultural heritage laws.
Are there guided tours explaining the Borghese Gallery’s history?
Yes, guided tours are available explaining the history of Borghese Gallery and the relevance of the paintings and sculptures on display.
What makes the Borghese Gallery unique among other art museums in Rome?
The Borghese Gallery is unique for its intimate setting, housed within a historic villa that was specifically designed to showcase art. Unlike larger museums, the gallery’s layout allows visitors to experience the artworks in the original context intended by the collector, offering a more personal and immersive experience.
What are some future plans for the Borghese Gallery?
Future plans for the Borghese Gallery include expanding its outreach programs, enhancing visitor experiences through technology, and continuing its preservation efforts. The gallery aims to remain a leading cultural institution in Rome, providing access to its extraordinary collection while preserving its historical legacy.
