Raffaello and the Fornarina
“Romolo” is an historical place, half mith half reality, with a splendid garden surrounded by sixteenth century walls.
Margherita Luti, the famous “Fornarina” and mistress of Raphael, lived there.
Certainly when Sanzio was working on the gallery of the neighbouring Villa Farnesina, he went often to drink a few glasses at Romolo’s table.Legend? No. A document tells us it is true.
One day Michelangelo left St.Peter’s and came to Via Lungara to see what the painter of Urbino was doing.He went into the Farnesina but there was no reply. Perhaps he found pleasure in the virgin surface prepared to receive the paint but as yet untouched, for he took a brush and rapidly drew the head of an angel in black.Returning Raphael knew that unmistakable hand…the lunette was not touched and is still called “the visiting card of Michelangelo”.
This post is also available in: Italian
English
Italiano