Quirinal Palace, a photo from Rome, Lazio

Photographer's Note

Rome - Quirinal Palace

From Wikipedia:

The Quirinal Palace (known in Italian as the Palazzo del Quirinale or simply Quirinale) is a historic building in Rome, Italy, the current official residence of the President of the Italian Republic. It is located on the Quirinal Hill, the highest of the seven hills of Rome. It has housed thirty popes, four kings and eleven presidents of the Italian Republic. The palace extends for an area of 110,500 square metres and is the 6th largest palace in the world in terms of area, as well as the largest residence of a Head of State.] By way of comparison, the White House Complex in the United States is one-twentieth of its size.

History

Origins
The current site of the palace has been in use since Roman times, as excavations in the gardens testify. On this hill, the Romans built temples to several deities, from the Flora to Quirinus, after whom the hill was named. During the reign of Constantine the last complex of Roman baths was built here, as the statues of the twins Castor and Pollux taming the horses decorating the fountain in the square testify. The Quirinal, being the highest hill in Rome, was very sought after and became a popular spot for the Roman patricians, who built their luxurious villas. An example of those are the remains of a villa in the Quirinal gardens, where a mosaic, part of the old floor has been found]

Foundation of the current palace
The palace, located on the Via del Quirinale and facing onto the Piazza del Quirinale, was built in 1583 by Pope Gregory XIII as a papal summer residence. The pope wanted to find a location which would have been far away from the humidity and stench coming from the river Tiber and the unhealthy conditions of the Lateran Palace, therefore the Quirinal hill was one of the most suitable places in Rome. On the site, there was already a small villa owned by the Carafa family and rented to Luigi d'Este. The pope commissioned the architect Ottaviano Mascherino to build a palace with porticoed parallel wings and an internal court. The project was not fully completed due to the death of the pope in 1585 but it is still recognisable in the north part of the court, especially in the double loggia facade, topped by the panoramic Torre dei venti (tower of the winds) or Torrino. To the latter, a bell tower was added according to a project by Carlo Maderno and Francesco Borromini

From the 17th century
Pope Paul V commissioned the completion of the work on the main building of the palace.
The Palace was also used as the location for papal conclaves in 1823, 1829, 1831, and 1846. It served as a papal residence and housed the central offices responsible for the civil government of the Papal States until 1870. In September 1870, what was left of the Papal States was overthrown. About five months later, in 1871, Rome became the capital of the new Kingdom of Italy. The palace became the official royal residence of the Kings of Italy, though some monarchs, notably King Victor Emmanuel III (reigned 1900–1946) actually lived in a private residence elsewhere (Villa Savoia), the Quirinale being used simply as an office and for state functions. The monarchy was abolished in 1946 and the Palace became the official residence and workplace for the Presidents of the Italian Republic. Still, some declined the Colle residence and kept their usual Roman residence: for example, Sandro Pertini preferred his old flat near the Trevi Fountain.
The faзade was designed by Domenico Fontana. Its Great Chapel was designed by Carlo Maderno. It contains frescos by Guido Reni, but the most famous fresco is the Blessing Christ by Melozzo da Forlм, placed over the stairs. Its grounds include a famous set of gardens laid out in the 17th century.

PiotrF, No_One, mirosu, danos, snunney, tyro, timecapturer, kordinator, ikeharel, ourania, cornejo, gervaso, Cricri, adores, Angshu has marked this note useful

Critiques | Translate

PiotrF (54636) 2015-01-12 11:22

Hello Romano,
An interesting view of this palace with the statue in the foreground.
Good point of view is showing the details.Wonderful framing and lovely natural colors.
Thank you for detailed notes.
Very well done.
Regards
Piotr

No_One (4) 2015-01-12 11:33

Hi Romano.
A very nice composition on this huge complex, the light and shade looks fantastic, and the placement of the statue adds a really nice touch, he is staring at the building the same as I would when learning of how immense this place actually is. The statue is plac perfectly I the light like its emerging from the darkness. A glorious bue sky to act as backdrop too.
Cheers
Noel

Silvio1953 (221563) 2015-01-12 12:18

Ciao Romano, gran bella inquadratura, luce favolosa e fantastico cielo, bravo, ciao Silvio

carlo62 (81265) 2015-01-12 14:22

Ciao Romano
un bellissimo chiaro scuro dettato da luci e ombre molto evidenti.
Una interpretazione molto personale e originale, di grande impatto visivo.
Saluti
Carlo

npecanhuk (79329) 2015-01-12 16:32

Ciao Romano!
Beautiful details!
Attractive picture!
Sharpness, management of difficult light, colors, vertical format, chosen pov and composition really pleased me!
It brings good memories of my first visit to Rome, back in 1999!
TFS - congrats,
Cheers,
Neyvan

mirosu (16313) 2015-01-12 22:31

Ciao Romano,
Excellent photo arrangement, superb low angle viewpoint. The building is in very good light and there is nice contrast with dark FG and dark blue sky.
Greetings
Miro

jemaflor (147104) 2015-01-12 23:05

Salut Romano,
Une architecture intйressante, une composition йquilibrйe avec cette faзade et la statue en premier plan et un joli contraste de luminositй bien maоtrisй, trиs rйussie ta photo.

emka (158128) 2015-01-12 23:14

Ciao Romano, Superb and creative presentation of the Quirinal Palace. I like the composition with the sculpture against the blue sky and well lit entrance to the palace. Excellent composition.

Have a nice day

Malgo

danos (110407) 2015-01-12 23:57

Ciao Romano,
nice the view of the lighted parts of the photo with the darker ones on the foreground to adds contrast in the scene.
The post processing enhance the sections of the photo you want to see and admire.

Regards,Danos

Nicou (193806) 2015-01-13 0:41

Hlelo

quel beau ciel profond quelle vue et captage avec les drapeaux colorйs quelle architecture avec ce jeu d'ombre et les borne les deux personnages superbe Bravo et amitiй
Nicou

lousat (139236) 2015-01-13 1:18

Ciao Romano,la composizione и oltremodo originale,questo contrasto elevatissimo tra la silhouette in ombra sulla destra che fa' da cornice naturale al Quirinale и vincente,mi sembra solo un po' sbiaditella,pero' non posso mettere la mano sul fuoco non essendoci mai stato..ehehe..buona giornata,Luciano

snunney (130967) 2015-01-13 2:16

Hello Romano,
The composition is excellent and the lighting perfectly managed is enchanting, resulting in some lovely light and shadow contrasts. The image also benefits from very good colours and clarity.

mkamionka (74375) 2015-01-13 2:50

Ciao Romano,
beautiful architecture so well presented in this strong light. Shadows emphasize the details of the decoration. I like how you have included the monument, very original angle here. Several elements of the statue are well lit as well -the rest covered in a natural shade.
In the past I did not like too much shade, now I see it as a extra natural touch, adding some 3D feeling, some reality.
Excellent work,
M

tyro (30513) 2015-01-13 3:53

Ciao Romano,

You have given us a very comprehensive and fascinating note about the Quirinal Palace and also a spectacular photograph to illustrate it!

The main entrance of this wonderful building would have been enough but your inclusion of the statue on the right adds much interest and also adds considerably to your excellent and well balanced composition.

The light on the facade of the palace is beautiful and "lifts" it beautifully from the darker surroundings and the dark blue sky. And the light and shade on the statue add magic to it too. Lovely light and colours, perfect composition and exposure and exceptional depth of field and sharpness.

Beautiful!

Kind Regards,

John.

timecapturer (49288) 2015-01-13 4:38

Ciao Romano
now this is cool! Your POV well chosen but it is the light and shadow play here that add depth and real magic to this shot. I love the jet black sky too it is so dramatic.

Just wonderful!

Regards - Brian.

Sergiom (117241) 2015-01-13 6:28

Ciao Romano,

Tu as su trouver un angle trиs original pour nous montrer l'immeuble oщ habite le premier ministre. J'aime le contraste entre les ombres а l'avant plan et la lumiиre en arriиre plan.

Amicalement

Serge

claudeD (47754) 2015-01-13 6:39

Hello Romano,

I was at this place a few years ago and I can remember that we observed the milkitary parade. Very good composition, fine blue sky and excellent sharpness.Very well done.TFS.

With regards from Luxembourg

JC

dkmurphys (79209) 2015-01-13 7:09

Ciao Romano,
A great superb scene from Quirinale hill. The strong contrasts are making a great dramatic atmosphere. Well done!

Daniel

mesutilgim (0) 2015-01-13 7:45

Hello Romano,
Very nice capture of this famous palace, the seat of the president taken from a quite mastery pov. Deep dark sky creates a perfect background.
Interesting notes makes your entry a perfect TE job.
TFS and best regards
MESUT ILGIM

ikeharel (113319) 2015-01-13 8:24

Great difference between the lit part and shadows, Romano.
Yet, the statue prominently above the main attraction, the Palazzo and its facade.
Bravo for a nice take on.
Ike

*** You really haven't been to Genova? I saw pictures from Imperiqa on your gallery, so on the way next time go uptown's...

ourania (51103) 2015-01-13 8:43

Ciao Romano,
mi piace molto il gioco tra luce ed ombra nella tua composizione, e' audace ed effettivo, lo spettatore e' accattivato da tutti e due senza poter indovinare chi e' piu' potente. La facciatta del edificio e' nitidissima sotto la luce forte ha preso un aspetto grafico molto interessante. La luce sulla statua e' piu' debole e dolce, hai gestito luce e contrasti in modo stupendo. Complimenti e grazie!
Tanti saluti e buona serata,
Ourania

Waylim (25436) 2015-01-13 10:24

Hi Romano,

the light seems very challenging, but you did a very good job, I love hte contrast the silhoutte of the statue really brings the light out of the architecture. Beautiful composition and good clarity.

W

cornejo (61504) 2015-01-13 10:43

Ciao romano, grande foto di questa composizione interessante con una luce interessante, molto ben catturata in questa immagine bella, con una buona nitidezza, profonditа, bella luce, colore e qualitа. Grande e interessante lavoro perfettamente fatto, complimenti amico mio. Grazie per aver condiviso questo bel lavoro.

Buona notte e la settimana felice.
I migliori auguri dal sud della Spagna.
Angel.

dta (98848) 2015-01-13 12:22

Ciao Romano ;
Superbe prise de vue de ce bel immeuble et de la statue au premier plan , avec des contrastes saisissants .
Amicalement

holmertz (102672) 2015-01-14 1:38

Hello Romano,
This is an impressive composition with very dramatic contrasts between the palace lit by the sun and the almost threatening dark sky and statue. You created a very good balance between these three dominating elements of the photo.
Kind regards,
Gert

gervaso (28177) 2015-01-14 1:48

Hello, Romano!

I like the strong shadow on the base of the statue, calling more attention to the statue itself and the beautiful architecture in the background! It also gives very good contrast to the image! Wonderful composition! Excellent job!

Cricri (176) 2015-01-14 6:03

Ciao Romano
Intйressante note sur le Palais, rйchauffer par une trиs belle lumiиre en contraste avec la statue dans l'ombre sauf le haut qui ce dessine sur le fond bleu, belle rйalisation
Belle journйe
cricri

Gigidusud (21679) 2015-01-15 13:09

Ciao Romano,
Bellissima composizione architettonica, con un fantastico gioco di ombre e di luce e una ottima inquadratura. Complimenti!
Ti auguro un buon fine settimana.
Gigi

SnapRJW (31631) 2015-01-16 6:10

Hello Romano - I love the strong contrast in this shot and I like the fact that you have worked with the light rather than trying to balance it; the result is dramatic and interesting and to my mind creatively managed.

Bravo!

warm regards

Rosemary

adores (46979) 2015-01-22 14:27

Hi Romano!
This is very nice! I like the composition, looks as if the statue is watching the palace from the top. Very nice light and good colours!

Angshu (56760) 2015-02-01 21:20

Ciao Romano
Tne building has been shown well. The majestic building is accentualted by the statue in the FG. Whose statue is this?
I liked the exposure management, especially on the statue which seems to be emerging from the shadows
Best Regards
Angshu

Photo Information

Copyright: Romano Lattanzi (Romano46) (18472)
Genre: МЕСТА
Medium: ЦВЕТНОЙ
Date Taken: 2014-12-19
Categories: АРХИТЕКТУРА
Camera: Canon EOS 700D, Canon EF 28-135mm IS USM, HOYA 67mm HD Circular Polarize
Exposure: f/8, 1/200 секунд
More Photo Info: view
Версия: Оригинальная версия
Date Submitted: 2015-01-12 10:55