Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WHAT DOES IT ALL MEAN?
In the humanist tradition gardens were associated with the classical Golden Age, Arcadia and the Garden of the
Hesperides, goddess Hera's mythical garden where the tree of golden apples grew. This tradition served Renais-
sance princes well, suggesting helpful comparisons that they were the heirs of classical virtues and the garden
was a microcosm of the patron's kingdom, where skill, virtue and hard work triumphed over the chaotic land-
scape. This reflected the confidence of Renaissance men in their elevated position in the cosmic hierarchy.
To further this happy narrative, architectural features, statues, fountains and planting schemes formed a visual
language, telling a clear story for the cultured guests who were likely to wander through. Often these narratives
explored the relationship between art and nature or evoked classical mythology as a means of flattering powerful
patrons.
The myth of Hercules was a favourite of the Este clan (whose daughters Beatrice and Isabella married dukes of
Milan and Mantua respectively), thanks to family genealogists who amazingly found a means of claiming Her-
cules as a direct ancestor! Frequent statues of Hercules and images of his heroic feats and triumphs that were dot-
ted around their gardens and villas glorified the entire Este dynasty.
