Canova and Tadolini
I have wandered past this restaurant in Via Babuino, near the Piazza di Spagna, countless times, but it wasn’t until I read Mary B’s blog that I realised it was a restaurant. It has a very ugly sculpture outside, which I have often noticed, but I did not look further.
a most unattractive gent
We ventured inside and immediately decided to eat there instead of the outdoor area, even though it was a gorgeous autumn day. The interior is filled with amazing sculptures which are simply there, not arranged in any particular way, just scattered about in gay abandon.
these are life size or bigger
It is as though the sculptors had downed tools and gone off for a stroll, with a view to come back later to chip away a bit further. From 1818 until 1967 the atelier was in the possession of 4 generations of sculptors from the Tadolini family. Adamo Tadolini had been a student of Antonio Canova and they worked together on many commisions. I don’t know when the space was turned into a restaurant, but it was a brilliant idea.
watching us eat
he looks important
left over bits
and more
the old workroom
We ate delicious ravioli in this amazining setting. It is a little strange, being watched by these white beings, but a lot of fun as well.
waiting for lunch
yummy ravioli
So, if you are strolling down the lovely Via Babuino, and you see an very ugly man, step inside for a very interesting lunch.