The entrance through the outside of the Vatican wall belies the modernity of the entrance rooms inside.
This replica of the original, displayed behind glass inside St. Peter’s Basilica, captures the emotion and beauty of Michelangelo’s Pieta.
This huge pine cone, which is displayed in the garden of the Museum, was constructed and is signed by a Roman sculptor from the first century A.D. It was found centuries later during excavations in Rome.
As is true all over Rome, there were fountains.
There are many modern pieces, such as this Sphere Within a Sphere.
Much of the art unearthed from Ancient Rome, along with Etruscan, Greek and Egyptian treasures, is preserved here.
Hall after hall after exhibition hall.
I’ve discovered there is a broad genre of paintings of humans being guided and influenced by divine and not-so- well-meaning whispering messengers.
This is the River Nile, resting by a Sphinx, with babies representing the 16 cubits of water by which the river rises in its annual flood, providing the bounty by which Egypt is fed.
All the intricate tile work could fill a museum on its own.
View of the city from a museum window.
The Hall of Animals.
One of many painted domes.
Dempsey loved the Rotunda Room, modeled after the Pantheon.
The Tapestry Hall.
The popes once lived within this area of the museum, called the Papal Apartments.
One of Rodin’s The Thinker.
This beautiful staircase is a double helix.
The Swiss Guard.
My favorite room, the Hall of Maps.
Since we weren’t allowed to take photographs in the Sistine Chapel, here is one from Wikipedia. Notice the wooden screen that provides a separation in the room. It was smaller than I imagined it – although Michelangelo might have disagreed.
We spent about three hours in the Vatican Museum; we could have spent months. I’m posting some of the photos without commentary because I don’t know enough to describe either the works or their creators. We took hundred of pictures…so much beautiful art.
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