Villa Giulia, section 1500 - 1550

This is an anonymous drawing of a section of the Villa Giulia, a High Renaissance building in Rome. The drawing provides a glimpse into the world of 16th-century aristocratic life. This villa, commissioned by Pope Julius III, was not just a residence, but a stage for displaying power, wealth, and refinement. The architecture itself, with its classical motifs, reflects a conscious effort to align with the grandeur of ancient Rome. But consider who had access to such spaces. The villa was a world apart from the cramped, unsanitary conditions endured by the majority of the population. It embodies a stark division along lines of class and status. As you look at the drawing, think about the labor and resources required to construct such a place, and whose stories are often left out of the official narratives of architectural history. The Villa Giulia is more than stone and design; it is a symbol of social structures.