Sunday, April 13, 2014

Eccentric American Expats: The Great Beauties of Caprarola

Gladys Deacon portrait by Boldini 


the original Pentagon building
Palazzo Farnese, Caprarola
design by Justin Bradshaw 




Palazzo Farnese perched on its hillside  with views extending  over the Lazio countryside to Rome, is one of Italy’s  most  magnificent Renaissance palace  complexes, once home to  the powerful  Farnese family.

Loggia with Hercules fountain, Palazzo Farnese 
In the early  1900s it was also  home to an eccentric group of   American expats : Florence Baldwin and her daughters.   The eldest daughter, Gladys, was one of the most famous beauties of the first half of the century and went on to become  the Duchess of Marlborough.   
staircase Palazzo Farnese
photo  of F. Pignatale 


Sala del Mappamondo, Palazzo Farnese
photo of F. Pignatale 
The fascinating story of Gladys and her family will be the subject of an illustrated talk  (in English and Italian) along with English biographer  and historian  Hugo Vickers   who will be visiting from London. 

invito  per   April  25th 


Sala Giove of Palazzo Farnese,  “Le Grandi Bellezze  di Caprarola” 
Please share on Facebook, Twitter. Hope to see you there! Caprarola  is a short drive from Rome and  the 25th  of April is a holiday here in Italy.

3 comments:


  1. Good post however I was wondering if you could write a litte more on this topic?

    I'd be very grateful if you could elaborate a little bit further.
    Many thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Leaving a bit of mystery hoping that people will be curious enough to make their way to the special evening in the Palazzo in Caprarola.

      Delete
  2. Thank you Mary Jane for the information. I will definitely attend. Palazzo Farnese and gardens at Caprarola are not to be miss in the beautiful Etruria.

    ReplyDelete