The Villa Farnesina: Palace of Venus in Renaissance Rome New Edition

Turner’s groundbreaking work takes readers beyond the confines of the Villa Farnesina’s walls, offering a holistic view of its frescoes by Peruzzi, Raphael, and Sodoma within their original context. By reconstructing Peruzzi’s architectural design and the lost façade decorations, Turner breathes new life into these iconic images, revealing the vibrant dialogue that once existed among various artistic elements.

Through meticulous research and analysis, Turner unveils the interconnectedness of painting, sculpture, architecture, garden design, and literature in the villa’s creation. He sheds light on the patronage of Agostino Chigi, a prominent banker who surrounded himself with the finest talents of his time, resulting in a masterpiece that transcends mere aesthetics to celebrate pleasure in all its forms, from the social to the erotic. Turner’s work allows us to see the Villa Farnesina not just as a building, but as a Palace of Venus, a testament to the pursuit of beauty and pleasure in Renaissance Rome.