How Nero influenced Michelangelo and Raphael
Nero Caesar, the infamous Emperor of Rome known for his lavish lifestyle was a great influence on two of the greatest artists of the Italian Renaissance. Nero died around 68 AD. Raphael died in 1520, and Michelangelo died in 1564. So, how could the narcissistic Emperor influence art roughly 1500 years after his death?
The answer lies in his final ill fated building project, the Domus Aurea. Domus
Aurea translates as Golden House. Known for his extravagances, Nero took the translation literally.
The Domus Aurea was located in the heart of Rome. There was a fire that occurred in 64AD known as The Great Fire. This fire is where the expression, “Nero fiddled while Rome burned. “
The Domus Aurea was built in land reclaimed from this fire. It was so far over the top that within a few years the precious stones and materials had been scavenged. The building was really unpopular with the citizens of Rome. As the years progressed it fell into complete disrepair, and was eventually filled in after another infamous fire in 104 AD.
The grounds were forgotten until a boy fell through an opening and found himself in a cave covered with paintings. Word soon spread and eventually all of the artists in Italy were clamoring to see the works. These artists included Raphael and Michelangelo.
Raphael was heavily influenced by the works, and you may see them in the Vatican on a tour through the Museums. The paintings in the Domus Aurea were attributed to an ancient Roman called Famulus. So across centuries the skill of Famulus and the extravagance of Nero produced works for all to enjoy on a visit to the Vatican.
Raphael was heavily influenced by the works, and you may see them in the Vatican on a tour through the Museums. The paintings in the Domus Aurea were attributed to an ancient Roman called Famulus. So across centuries the skill of Famulus and the extravagance of Nero produced works for all to enjoy on a visit to the Vatican.
The room of Raphael’s School of Athens
Raphael’s depiction of Michelangelo. Brooding off to himself, they did not care for each other.
More of Raphael’s work from the Vatican Museum.
Thank you for reading this connection from across the ages.