The Villa of the dwarfs that was painted by Tiepolo
Villa Valmarana ai Nani near Vicenza, a peaceful stop in its beautiful park during the #italiagrandsketchingtour.
After the visit to Villa La Rotonda, we went to see the nearby Villa Valmarana ai Nani. This Venetian villa was the summer residence of the Valmarana family on the slopes of the San Bastian hill, on the outskirt of Vicenza.
The nickname “ai Nani”, used to differentiate it from the other palaces of the family, comes from the 17 stone sculptures representing the dwarfs, once scattered in the park, then aligned on the surrounding walls, that you can see on the right side of the painting.
The villa is famous for its interiors that enshrine the extraordinary cycle of frescoes by Giambattista Tiepolo during its period of greatest artistic splendor, and his son Giandomenico. Unfortunately we had not the time to visit the interior but we sat in the garden to paint and to sip a frozen coffee in the August warmth, under the entrance portico that is now a cafe.Â
The garden is beautiful and this villa is very beautiful with its straight lines and armonious symmetry. A pleasure for the eye and for the pen too, once you start drawing it.
The Villa was built in the XVI Century and later on, in the XVIII Century many modifications occurred, such as the timpano, to update the palace to the new style of architecture.
During the II World War the bombing destroyed partially the Villa. Fortunately all the frescoes were taken down in time and saved, so that after the restorations all the precious paintings were brought back to their original place and splendor. You can see on the website of the Villa here many videos taking you to a virtual tour of the interiors. Check it out absolutely.
Title of the painting ‘Villa Valmarana ai Nani near Vicenza’
This is a painting from the Italia Grand Sketching Tour Collection, a series of original ink and watercolor paintings done on location during my tour to discovery the marvelous Italian heritage. All paintings are also available as numbered and originally signed prints.
The painting is also featured in the book about my motorbike Italian tour. By acquiring this work you will get to know better Italy also thanks to a personalized story about this place that I will include in the package.
