Architectura Picta International Festival
11th–13th October 2024 | Trinità dei Monti, Rome
A successful inaugural edition: ‘Truly wonderful and highly enriching‘
The inaugural Architectura Picta International Festival brought together renowned scholars, expert decorative painters, and 20 architects and architecture students from across the globe for an extraordinary three-day celebration of illusionary perspectives and architectural trompe l’oeil. Held from 11th–13th October 2024 in the awe-inspiring Refectory of Trinità dei Monti, the festival transformed this historic location into a vibrant laboratory of creativity, learning, and artistic expression.
Participants immersed themselves in both theoretical and hands-on workshops, discovering the secrets behind this magical art of optical illusion. They worked under the frescoed ceilings of Andrea Pozzo, surrounded by masterpieces of the very craft they were learning. The event was guided by an exceptional team of experts, including esteemed scholars such as Prof. Giuseppe Amoruso (Polytechnic of Milan, INTBAU Italy), Prof. Antonio Camassa (CNR), and Prof. Stefano Bertocci (Florence University), alongside master decorative painters Roberto Lucifero and Riccardo Cardone.
The first edition of the Architectura Picta International Festival was made possible with the support of Trinità dei Monti, Rome, and Notre Dame Rome, in collaboration with INTBAU Italy, UID (Unione Italiana Disegno), La Table Ronde de l’Architecture, New Traditional Architecture, and Associazione Dimore Storiche Italiane. The festival was held under the patronage of Comune di Roma and Regione Lazio.
Highlights:
- Workshops in a historic setting: Participants gathered in the 17th-century Refectory, where frescoes by Andrea Pozzo set the tone for three intensive days of learning and creativity.
- Expert-led training: Morning lectures delved into the principles of illusory perspective, design, and deception of the eye, while afternoons were spent painting under the guidance of Italy’s top decorative painters.
- Interactive learning: Participants had the rare chance to handle Pozzo’s original treatise, Perspectiva Pictorum et Architectorum, deepening their understanding of the art.
- Practical mastery: Each participant painted a section of a large-scale installation based on Pozzo’s frescoes, using antique techniques such as ‘spolvero’ (drawing transfer) and methods like ‘a corpo’ (full colour) and ‘a velatura’ (glaze).
Creating a collaborative masterpiece
The festival culminated in the assembly of all 21 canvases, painted collaboratively by participants, into a stunning final installation. This artwork, displayed briefly at Cappella Orsini, now resides permanently in the Trinità dei Monti educational area, a testament to the participants’ achievements and the enduring beauty of trompe l’oeil.
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Memorable Moments Beyond the Workshops
- Exclusive Visits: A private tour of St. Ignatius Church and the Room of Andrea Pozzo offered participants a close-up view of Pozzo’s masterpieces.
- Dining with a view: Participants enjoyed lunches in the convent’s garden overlooking Villa Medici and a special dinner hosted by Maestro Lucifero at his Roman terrace.
- Unforgettable walk: On the final morning, the group carried their completed canvases through Rome’s iconic streets, descending the Spanish Steps to Cappella Orsini for the installation assembly.
Participants’ testimonials
It has been a great pleasure and privilege to attend the Festival. The treatment by the teachers and monitors was excellent. I cannot imagine a place more inspiring than the Refectory of Trinità dei Monti. The lectures and visits were of the highest quality.
Maria Coluccelli, professional decorative painter, Spain
It was a wonderful three days where we were taught by the most fabulous team of decorators and academics in the field. On the final day, we walked and ran through the streets of Rome to Cappella Orsini, where we set up the ‘Wedding at Cana’ as a theatre backdrop. It was really quite incredible.
Tanya Szendeffy, Design and Conservation Officer, Great Britain
An immensely engaging and educational experience. The festival successfully created a rich environment for cultural exchange, thanks to the collaboration of various professionals. This facilitated the essential fusion of science and artistic technique, which is crucial for anyone training in the disciplines of architecture and its representation. I am profoundly satisfied with the cultural enrichment I have gained.
Architect Lucrezia di Marzio, PhD student, University La Sapienza, Rome
About the programme
The Architectura Picta International Festival, founded by Stefania Zappanico, an architecture journalist and INTBAU alumna, set a new standard for celebrating and preserving the art of illusionary perspective. With its combination of expert knowledge, hands-on training, and immersive cultural experiences, the festival provided a truly enriching journey into this mesmerising art form.
The first edition of the Architectura Picta International Festival was made possible with the support of Trinità dei Monti, Rome, and Notre Dame Rome, in collaboration with INTBAU Italy, UID (Unione Italiana Disegno), La Table Ronde de l’Architecture, New Traditional Architecture, and Associazione Dimore Storiche Italiane. The festival was held under the patronage of Comune di Roma and Regione Lazio.
Plans for future editions are already in motion, promising even more opportunities to explore, learn, and create in the captivating world of architectural trompe l’oeil.
Discover more at @Prospicta.