Day 49: Another Side of Rome

Day 49: Another Side of Rome

This is a part of Rome that I had yet to paint: the neighborhood Prati. I think of Prati as the upper west side of Rome. It’s chic with wide boulevards lined with trees. It’s dotted with nice cafes and businessmen on the go. When you’re here you can feel that it’s not like the rest of the city.I must admit, I rarely venture here, even if The Vatican is nearby. For me Prati lacks grit, it’s a softer side of Rome.Today I had to go here on business so of course I brought my paintbox along. This was my chance to paint it.When I was done with my business, I began to wander the streets wondering what to paint. Then I came to Piazza Mazzini.

Fascist Remnants, Piazza Mazzini
Oil on Panel
8×6″

Located in the middle of 4-lane traffic this enormous square was filled with people for lunch chatting and catching some sun before headed back to work. This oversized fountain which you have to walk down to, was hidden apart from the fascist columns punctuated with their noble eagles. Sometimes I’m a little shocked to see the remnants of fascism in a town where it had such a hold. After WWII the fascist party was banned from Italy along with all the remnants that held these tall sticks tied together as their symbol. Except sometimes you still see them.Prati (meaning lawns in Italian), got its name because until 1870 this area was entirely uninhabited and left as open fields. It only became a part of the city during the 19th century and was built in a time when power was shifting from church to state. The architecture of the neighborhood reflects this in that the buildings are tall with an eclectic array of architectural styles. Prati was only declared a part of Rome in 1922 and is now home to a huge part of the city’s population who mostly work in the surrounding area.Rome is endless in its many facets and I’m glad I took this opportunity today to paint yet another.