The appearance of the Palace

The famous villa was erected in the sixteenth century on an island at the edge of the city, close to the fourth lake, the lake of Paiolo. The villa is an important element in the political project of Federico, who was made Duke by the Emperor Charles V during a visit to the city and to the palace in 1530. Giulio Romano interpreted the intention of Federico and created a building that is characterized by a perfect geometrical balance. The edifice is tall, its contour is not invasive, allowing the building to blend in with its surroundings. The overall harmony is more Greek than Roman, and is characterized by a Doric austerity.

One of the distinguishing features of the work of Giulio Romano is the continuous search for a variation in the modules he uses, that are chosen not on the basis of their structural function, but for the dynamic quality they are able to impress upon the whole building. Giulio Romano here demonstrated that it is possible to create something totally new by juxtaposing, in an almost musical way, diverse elements taken from past examples. This miracle is achieved by making small changes to the a prefixed order, following a poetics of vision and of its illusions. This is the invention, both in painting and in architecture, of Mannerism, a path that already Raphael, who died at a young age in 1529, had opened up when he had substituted the copy of nature with the invention of something artificial, creating a second nature that was totally human.

The Loggia of the Muse seen from the outside is an example of the architecture of Giulio. The systematic use of the “bugnato” technique creates movements on the surface of the palace, creating during the different seasons a game of shadow and light, captivating both in the summer and in the winter, as well as during the night. The material in which the Palace is covered seems able to accommodate the natural light of the ambient. Everything is inside a rigid sequence, contained in a clear geometrical setting.

Standing inside the garden and looking from east, the exedra behind us, we see Palazzo Te reflected in the water of the two pools. Also visible from here is the Loggia di Davide, that opens up at the end of the long walk through the rooms of the palace. The loggia also connects the garden to the courtyard.

The east wing of the palace is characterized by a triple arch, held up at the centre by eight columns. The triple opening is balanced by large windows, four on the left and four on the right, which add rhythm to the facade, enhanced by a triangular tympanum, similar to the one of the Pantheon in Rome. The building is reflected in the water, creating yet another artifice.

Giulio Romano is mentioned in The Winter’s Tale by William Shakespeare, making him the only artist to be explicitly referred to. In the words of the British playwright Giulio Romano is the creator of statues that come to life, and is referred to as the“rare Italian master”. Even though Giulio Romano was not a sculptor, his ability to create what today would be called a “multisensorial space”, was indeed understood by Shakespeare, who speaks of a genius able to bring matter to life. Indeed, if Giulio Romano “had he himself eternity and could put breath into his work, would beguile Nature of her custom, so perfectly is he her ape”. These lines are also an accurate and brilliant description of the mannerist style.

This image shows a beautiful decoration where the style seems to be that of ancient Roman villas. The master of the house is surrounded by scenes that tell of a life spent honestly and happily

The Secret Garden was realized, starting in 1595, by the Duke Vincenzo Gonzaga and his son Ferdinando. A fountain, today ruined, delighted the guest with creative water displays, enclosed in a place in which the walls were, and in part still are, covered by stuccoes and natural elements such as the mother-of-pearl and crystals. The frescoes represent scenes taken from the Orlando Furioso, in particular the scenes with the magician Alcina. The small room is also enriched by mosaics and many illustrations of the heroic deeds carried out by the Gonzaga’s family. The representation of animals and references to alchemy complete this curious and fascinating creation.