Corsini Gallery

The National Gallery of Ancient Art at Palazzo Corsini, located in the Trastevere district of Rome, is a treasure trove of art and culture that offers visitors a unique and fascinating experience. This magnificent Baroque palace, built in the 15th century and later renovated in the 18th century by architect Ferdinando Fuga on commission from Cardinal Neri Corsini, houses one of the most important art collections in Rome. The history of Palazzo Corsini is rich and complex. Originally built as the residence of the Riario family, the palace later became the home of Queen Christina of Sweden, who transformed it into a cultural and intellectual center. In the 18th century, the Corsini family, one of the most illustrious Florentine families, acquired the palace and established their Roman residence there. It was during this period that Cardinal Neri Maria Corsini commissioned Fuga to renovate the palace, turning it into a splendid example of Roman Baroque architecture. The National Gallery of Ancient Art at Palazzo Corsini was established in 1883, when Prince Tommaso Corsini donated the palace, gardens, and art collection to the Italian state. This donation formed the original nucleus of the gallery, which was later expanded with the integration of works from other collections, churches, and nationalized galleries. Today, the gallery houses over 300 paintings, numerous sculptures, and a collection of antique furniture and textiles. One of the highlights of the Corsini Gallery is the collection of Renaissance and Baroque paintings. Among the most famous works are Caravaggio’s “Saint John the Baptist,” one of the most intense and dramatic representations of the saint, and Simon Vouet’s “Herodias with the Head of the Baptist,” which captures the tragic moment with surprising realism. The gallery also features works by artists such as Rubens, Fra Angelico, and Guido Reni, offering visitors a comprehensive overview of Italian and European art from the 15th to the 18th century. The palace itself is a masterpiece of architecture and decoration. The grand staircase designed by Fuga, with its elegant interplay of curves and volumes, leads visitors to the various floors of the palace, where frescoed and stuccoed rooms house the works of art. One of the most fascinating rooms is the Green Cabinet, which contains the marble portrait of Pope Clement XII Corsini, created by Pietro Bracci, as well as other sculptures and furnishings of great value. Another fascinating aspect of Palazzo Corsini is its garden, the Botanical Garden of Rome, which offers an oasis of tranquility in the heart of the city. This garden, less known but equally fascinating, features a variety of exotic and local plants arranged according to Renaissance botanical knowledge. A stroll through the botanical garden allows visitors to admire not only the natural beauty, but also the botanical wisdom of past centuries.