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Lifestyles of the Venetian Rich and Famous: Palladian Villas with Sara Grinzato

Lifestyles of the Venetian Rich and Famous: Palladian Villas with Sara Grinzato


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

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.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

Based on 29 reviews
86%
(25)
7%
(2)
7%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
L
L. (Newark, US)
Excellent!

Very well done! Enjoyed seeing the interesting interiors of many of the villas and understanding their origins and provenance. Very informative.

R
R. (Quezon City, PH)

Guest did not leave comment

M
M.S. (Tucson, US)
Informative

Sara Grinzato's lecture gave substantial political, economic, geographic, and social background to the transformation of the Veneto from marshy wasteland to an agricultural region, and how it became the seat of villas, first as agricultural administrative seats and eventually as sites of entertainment. Inclusion of historic maps, engravings and floorplans along with modern photos supported these themes. It went a long way toward explaining the layout and function of houses that -- to the modern eye -- appear too large for any use. Very interesting.

N
N.D. (Wellington, US)
Wonderful Presentation

Sara's Palladian presentation was marvelous: entertaining, erudite, and enlightening! I enjoyed every minute--though I long for the day when we can connect with Context in person.

S
S.S. (Oxford, US)
Palladian Architecture in Venice

Sara gave me a new insight into Paladio.. I did not know how important his architecture was - and is in the area of Venice. I was so impressed with what she showed me and it makes me WISH I could go back to see these wonderful houses.

Customer Reviews

Based on 29 reviews
86%
(25)
7%
(2)
7%
(2)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
L
L. (Newark, US)
Excellent!

Very well done! Enjoyed seeing the interesting interiors of many of the villas and understanding their origins and provenance. Very informative.

R
R. (Quezon City, PH)

Guest did not leave comment

M
M.S. (Tucson, US)
Informative

Sara Grinzato's lecture gave substantial political, economic, geographic, and social background to the transformation of the Veneto from marshy wasteland to an agricultural region, and how it became the seat of villas, first as agricultural administrative seats and eventually as sites of entertainment. Inclusion of historic maps, engravings and floorplans along with modern photos supported these themes. It went a long way toward explaining the layout and function of houses that -- to the modern eye -- appear too large for any use. Very interesting.

N
N.D. (Wellington, US)
Wonderful Presentation

Sara's Palladian presentation was marvelous: entertaining, erudite, and enlightening! I enjoyed every minute--though I long for the day when we can connect with Context in person.

S
S.S. (Oxford, US)
Palladian Architecture in Venice

Sara gave me a new insight into Paladio.. I did not know how important his architecture was - and is in the area of Venice. I was so impressed with what she showed me and it makes me WISH I could go back to see these wonderful houses.