The Throne Room

I'm continuing my tour of the grand villa on Isola Bella that I started last Sunday.  Today's post features the throne room.  To me, this was the strangest room in the house.

I don't think I mentioned that the day we took this tour happened to be an Italian holiday so the crowds inside the villa were somewhat oppressive.  It was impossible to get clear shots of any of the rooms while we were there.  For anyone planning a visit here, I highly recommend and off-season weekday to take this tour.

The throne is behind that cluster of people (photo above)
with the very large tapestry behind it.  Borromeo was a ruler of this area, thus the need for a place to "hold court".

All four corners of the room were adorned with these carved wood statues some of which look a bit grotesque.

They are supposed to look as though they are having a conversation with on another.

I'm not sure I would have wanted to be in this room for very long. Just picture this room lit by candle light.  The flickering light must have made these statues look like they were moving and gesturing.

I think I would have been afraid they would leap from the walls.

This last photo is of one of the Neapolitan cabinets in the room.  Even the cabinet was supported by men holding it up.  They didn't appear to be conversing with the men on the walls.  They are silent slaves doomed to support this large piece of furniture for thousands of years.

Next Sunday, I have one more post from this villa.  The lower level of the villa contained what they called a grotto.  It is another over-the-top show stopper.  After that, I will have a post on the gardens which once again were beyond belief.