Antiques in Rome
September 14th , 2012 Tagged with: antiques • Renaissance art • tips for buying • where to find in Italy
The majestic complex known as Santo Spirito in Sassia sits along the Tiber close to Vatican and Castel Sant’Angelo.
It has a long history, from hostel for Saxon pilgrims arriving to Rome in the early middle ages, it was rebuilt during the Renaissance by Popes Sixtus IV (1470s) and Pius V (1570s) to become the most important -and most beautiful- hospital in the Eternal City.
Designed by major architects and decorated by the best artists of the day, the complex of buildings has undergone many transformations over the centuries, but the beauty of the architecture has endured, making it the perfect venue for Rome’ major Antiques Show and Market.
What better way to learn more about art and antique furniture than from the dealers themselves. They are there not just to show off their wares, but to inform visitors and answer questions from novices as well as expert collectors.
Remember also that prices quoted are generally negotiable and the vendors have more expenses at such as show, making the show’s last days the time they are more likely to give a discount.
With so many beautiful and important objects of art on show there is the danger of “art indigestion”. One way to avoid this is to pretend you have a budget and can only choose ten ( or 20 or 30) objects from the entire array.
More antiques and vintage on my ETSY shop “Vintage and Books” Vintage and Books
Visit it now by clicking on the link.
Here is a gallery (click on the photos to enlarge) of my personal favorites among the antiques and works of art being exhibited by vendors from all over Italy, with a sprinkling from France and Spain.