Lifestyles of the Venetian Rich and Famous: Palladian Villas with Sara Grinzato
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First created as places of land control, in the 18th century, Venetian villas were converted into luxurious summer houses for the vacation of noble families. Sections of society were getting richer; with that came an increased decadence and idleness.
The webinar will discuss a number of these historical private residences in the Veneto region and answer a number of questions in regards to this intriguing topic. When did the Venetian nobles start constructing these villas and why? Who was Palladio? Why did they become the expression of private luxury? Why did the Venetian playwright Carlo Goldoni speak of "Pining for Vacation"?
We'll begin by reviewing the origin and historical reason of the Veneto villas from the 16th to the 18th century. We'll move on to discussing a few of these iconic residences in more detail such as Villa Barbaro in Maser (designed by Palladio and frescoes by Veronese), Villa Foscari La Malcontenta (designed by Palladio) and Villa Pisani in Strè (designed by Francesco Maria Preti). We'll have some time in the end to discuss any questions or comments relating to these flashy yet beautiful structures. The villas that we visit virtually mirror a potential one-day-trip from Venice. Special attention will be addressed to two important topics: the relation between architecture and countryside; and ballrooms as the quintessence of a society that had made divertissement a true industry.
Led by an expert on Venetian Art History, Sara Grinzato, this interactive seminar will focus on the Palladian and post-Palladian villas in Venice's mainland from the 16th to the 18th century. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with an increased knowledge of Palladian architecture, Venetian arts, and the ÌÕPining for VacationÌÒ.
Sara Grinzato is a professional art historian, tour guide, and conservator. The Veneto villas have been one of her major fields of research for years, especially as far as the 18-century decoration is concerned. She can boast a number of publications on Venetian Villas and above all on the Riviera del Brenta from the 16th to the 19th century.
This conversation is suitable for all ages
90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.
Comprehensive review of the history of the Venice region and the inflluence of the brilliant architect Palladio and helpful guidance if you are planning a trip to Venice and want to include the broader area, but it fails in including the influence of Palladio in shaping the architecture of Georgian England and most important American architecture as our country was in formation -- see Independence Hall and Mt. Vernon. Many people may be interested in see the Palladio villas because they became so important centuries later. The lecturer was only an expert in Pallaio's Italian influence.
Sara gives a very interesting history of why the Villas of the Veneto were built in the first place and how they developed, and then highlights a few of the most spectacular Villas from Palladio. All done in a very beautifully conceptualized presentation (with lots of great visuals) and given with much enthusiasm.
Sara Grinzato, an extremely knowledgeable art historian, took us on a fascinating journey, providing plenty of historical and cultural context on the life of Palladio and the villas he designed and built, as well as the influence he has had on architecture over time. Using specific examples of villas, she showed us how and why they came to be, answering any questions we had.
Sara Grinzato led an engaging class on the work of Palladio. She provided good background on the history that influenced him, shared interesting information on his work, and then discussed the lasting influence he had on later designs. She possesses excellent knowledge of her subject matter and in fascinating to study with. Her command of the technologies made the hour and a half fly by. We will certainly look for other classes led by her!