Join me on my summer holiday as I travel (mostly) through Italy—as always, in search of beautiful sites, sculpture and all things sculpture-ish.
Genova—called "la Superba"—is a muscular and bustling port city along the Northern Mediterranean coast of Italy. From the Middle Ages, Genova profited from brisk International trade within the Mediterranean (and eventually beyond) and, as a result, became a World center of banking and finance from the early 1400's. Though the city saw continued industrial growth into the Twentieth Century, the city is replete with landmarks and shrines to its previous world-dominating wealth. Even today, the port of Genova is Italy's busiest and also the most important on the Mediterranean.
Iconic seamen, Christopher Columbus and Andrea Doria, were both born in the city—and each embraced the confidence (and manifest destiny) of powerful people on the rise.
The façade, shown above, belongs to the Palazzo Podestà, built (1559-1565) for the rich and powerful businessman Nicolosio Lomellino. It was built by Giovan Battiste Castello (called "Bergamasco") at Via Garabaldi 7 (Genova's smartest street). The exterior is a feast of sculpted plasterworks—plentiful yet always handsomely tasteful. It has been named a Unesco World Heritage Site—and is just one of Genova's reminders of its glorious (and wealthy) past.
We'll continue our summer holiday tomorrow.
Though our Greenwich Village store is now permanently closed, LEO Design is still alive and well! Please visit our on-line store where we continue to sell Handsome Gifts (www.LEOdesignNYC.com).
We also can be found in Pittsburgh's historic "Strip District" at Mahla & Co. Antiques (www.mahlaantiques.com) or in Canonsburg, Pennsylvania at The Antique Center of Strabane (www.antiquecenterofstrabane.com).
Or call to arrange to visit our Pittsburgh showroom (by private appointment only). 917-446-4248
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