Local Roman Histories

Local Roman Histories

Every corner in Rome is packed with thousands of years of history. I admittedly know very little compared to the brilliant historians and scholars stalking the churches, ruins and streets of Rome. My job is to capture the streets as they are now- their light and life today.Via dei Cappellari14×11″Oil on Linen mounted on panel©Kelly Medfordclick here for purchase informationPersonally I’m interested in oral histories, the ones people tell me while I’m out on the street painting. They’re so colorful, subjective and full of life while being recounted that I can’t help but fall in love with a place picturing it as it was even just 50 years ago.This street is one I’ve always loved walking down because of the light that spills between the roofs into the narrow street and because of that gorgeous yellow archway with the window in it (that is really part of someones house).This street is just off the well known square Campo de Fiori, known mostly for its enormous daily morning market and for the forno or bakery with some of the best pizza and bread in Rome just on the corner. (my favorite pizza is the one with zucchini flowers, amazing!)While I was painting, a funny character from the neighborhood started talking to me about his neighborhood and in particular about this street. He asked me did I know what this street used to be like? If I did I probably wouldn’t be here painting it he retorted.He said that this street used to be dangerous, full of thieves and brothels and that it wasn’t safe to walk down even during daylight hours as someone might try to rob you.Then I figured out that he was talking about just after WWII, not last year! But in a place with such a long history, that seems like only yesterday.Check out upcoming Sketching Rome Tours hereorTake a plein air workshop in Italy