Welcome to Il Caffè di Oggi. In this series, we will share enriching and informative bits of Italian culture. Virtual jolts of caffeine to brighten your day. Enjoy!
On April 6th, 1520, Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, the much revered Renaissance painter and architect, died in Rome at the age of thirty-seven. Despite his premature death, Raffaello left a large body of work, including exquisite paintings and drawings. Raffaello's funeral was extremely grand. It was attended by large crowds, and his body was carried by four cardinals dressed in purple robes. At his request, Raffaello was buried in the famous Pantheon in Rome. The inscription on his marble sarcophagus reads: "Here lies that famous Raffaello by whom Nature feared to be conquered while he lived, and when he was dying, feared herself to die.” Five hundred years later, Italy was preparing to celebrate the artist with an expansive and beautiful exhibition of his works at the Scuderie del Quirinale in Rome. Sadly, the exhibition has been placed on hold as the country grapples with the Covid-19 outbreak. The exhibition is now dark, awaiting the day when it can reopen to the public. Today, we would like to share videos that include virtual walk-throughs of some of this artist's most prominent work, including the Stanze di Raffaello at the Vatican. Please enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of Raffaello's masterpieces.
On April 6th, 1520, Raffaello Sanzio da Urbino, the much revered Renaissance painter and architect, died in Rome at the age of thirty-seven. Despite his premature death, Raffaello left a large body of work, including exquisite paintings and drawings.
Raffaello's funeral was extremely grand. It was attended by large crowds, and his body was carried by four cardinals dressed in purple robes. At his request, Raffaello was buried in the famous Pantheon in Rome. The inscription on his marble sarcophagus reads:
"Here lies that famous Raffaello by whom Nature feared to be conquered while he lived, and when he was dying, feared herself to die.”
Five hundred years later, Italy was preparing to celebrate the artist with an expansive and beautiful exhibition of his works at the Scuderie del Quirinale in Rome. Sadly, the exhibition has been placed on hold as the country grapples with the Covid-19 outbreak. The exhibition is now dark, awaiting the day when it can reopen to the public.
Today, we would like to share videos that include virtual walk-throughs of some of this artist's most prominent work, including the Stanze di Raffaello at the Vatican. Please enjoy the awe-inspiring beauty of Raffaello's masterpieces.
(Video in Italian with English subtitles)
(Interactive Museum Site)
We would also like to share with you a recipe for La Crescia Sfogliata. This flaky flatbread is from Raffaello's hometown of Urbino in the Le Marche region. This recipe dates back to medieval times. It was even known to be served at the Court of Duke Federico da Montefeltro in Urbino, where Raffaello began his famed career. Martina from Officina della Gastronomia shows us how to make it in the step-by-step video above. Buon appetito!
We would also like to share with you a recipe for La Crescia Sfogliata. This flaky flatbread is from Raffaello's hometown of Urbino in the Le Marche region.
This recipe dates back to medieval times. It was even known to be served at the Court of Duke Federico da Montefeltro in Urbino, where Raffaello began his famed career.
Martina from Officina della Gastronomia shows us how to make it in the step-by-step video above. Buon appetito!
