The Borgias became prominent in ecclesiastical and political affairs in the 1400s and 1500s. They produced two popes during this period, Alfons de Borja who ruled as Pope Calixtus III during 1455–1458, and Rodrigo Lanzol Borgia, as Pope Alexander VI, during 1492–1503.
Today they are remembered mostly for their corrupt rule during the reign of Pope Alexander VI. They have been accused of many different crimes, including adultery, theft, rape, bribery, incest, and murder (especially murder by arsenic poisoning). Think Lucrezia Borgia and her ring with poison. While a cardinal, Rodrigo(later Pope Alexander VI) maintained an illicit relationship with Vanozza dei Cattanei from the House of Candia, and they had four children: Ceasare, Giovanni, Lucrezia and Gioffre. He also had children by women other than Vannozza. He was considered a good politician and diplomat, but he was also criticized for over-spending, simony (the act of paying for sacraments and consequently for holy offices or for positions in the hierarchy of a church) and nepotism. His main interests lay in acquiring more wealth, seducing women, and making his family as powerful as possible.
Because they were such patrons of the art, they acquired a treasure trove of what are now considered some of the worlds best paintings, sculptures, etc. Many of these are on display at the Galleria Borghese as well as at museums around the world. A large portion of the pieces once owned by the Borghese's were purchased by Napoleon Bonaparte in the early 1800's when the family had a need of money. Napoleon's sister Paulina was married to a Borghese at this time.
Many beautiful pieces though, still remained with the family and are now displayed in the family's one time home, which was turned into a Gallery in the early 1900's. Recently an extensive restoration has been made of both the house and the art pieces within, bringing them back to their glory. The decoration of the walls within the house are absolutely amazing. So much detail!! It is difficult to explain it all.
We were able to get in to see this museum and it's contents today. Visitors are strictly limited to 180 every two hours and there are only five entrance times booked each day. We thought we would not be able to get in until Tuesday, but when we arrived to purchase our tickets today, the said the had some slots still to be filled, so we proceeded to take the tour. Numbers are restricted to help maintain the temperature, CO2, humidity etc, so as not to cause deterioration of the art objects caused by these. Photography is also not allowed for the same reason, so I do not have any of my own pictures that I can show you, but I have gleaned some from the Internet that show only a small part of what we saw today.
Enjoy!
Rape of Persephone
This is hard cold marble, yet, it looks as if it is a black and white photograph. It appears as if her flesh is yielding to the pressure
of his fingers as she struggles with him.
David, as he winds up to throw the stone at Goliath
Look at the intense concentration and his pursed lips
Decorated ceiling in one of the rooms
One of the many rooms - note the highly decorated walls and ceilings
as well as the patterned marble floor.
Hermaphrodite sleeping with closeup of head below
Madonna and Child
Woman with Unicorn
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