The Borghese Balustrade
Guiseppe di Giacomo
Category
Art / Sculpture
Date
1618 - 1619
Materials
Brick, Stone
Order this imageCollection
Cliveden Estate, Buckinghamshire
NT 766256.2
Summary
Sculpture, Travertine and brick tile, The Borghese Balustrade, 1618-1619 by Guiseppe di Giacomo and Paolo Massini. Western sections of stone balustrading alternate with sections of red brick wall with stone seats, while at the corners and ends, are large pedestals for statues carved with the dragons and eagles of the house of Borghese. the central pair of pedestals are the most elaborate, with small fountain basons on three sides into which grotesque masks spew a constant stream of water.
Provenance
Carved for Cardinal Scipione Borghese. Bought from the Villa Borghese and set up at Cliveden in 1896. Presented to the National Trust, with the house and grounds, by Waldorf, 2nd Viscount Astor (1879-1952) in 1942.
Makers and roles
Guiseppe di Giacomo, sculptor Paolo Massoni, sculptor