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At Home in Rome

by habituallychic

11 . 26 . 10
When I first found the image of Cy Twombly’s bedroom in Rome, I was hoping that I could find photos of the rest of his home.  Some continued sleuthing has unearthed them and they were definitely worth the search.  They were taken by Horst P. Horst in 1966 and most appeared in Vogue’s Book of Houses, Gardens, People published in 1968.  I’ve also included two photos taken during a photo shoot for Vogue magazine from 1968.  One of the models looks to be Marisa Berenson.  The interiors are probably the most drop dead gorgeous that I have ever seen.  The antique furniture including Egyptian revival period pieces mixed with the graphic floors and Twombly art is pure perfection.  One of my dreams is to meet Cy Twombly, preferably at this home, but just looking at these photos makes me feel as if I already know him.

Photos by Horst P. Horst via Mondo Blogo

18 Comments
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  1. Michael Hampton November 26, 2010 | 1:58 pm

    One of the chicest interiors ever! It has always been one of my favorites. Thanks for the inspiration this morning!

  2. Luciane From HomeBunch.com November 26, 2010 | 2:15 pm

    Oh, so inspiring! I spent a couple a minutes on each picture, just observing. You definitely can learn from these pictures, so I am grateful for this post.

    Have a great “black friday day!” 🙂 ooohooooo!!!!! 🙂

    xo

    Luciane at HomeBunch.com

  3. quintessence November 26, 2010 | 2:33 pm

    I’m with Michael Hampton – always been one of my favorites – I still remember almost gasping when I saw that 4th photo – one of the most timeless chic roomscapes ever – and of course he is my all time favorite!

  4. jones November 26, 2010 | 4:29 pm

    I echo Luciane. Each photo taught me volumes. It is as if each piece of furniture or empty space is treated as sculpture or a three-dimensional work of art. Of course, the salon suite is beyond spectacular–but it is the treatment of this museum quality furniture that astounds. A million thanks for this post is has helped me to more fully understand the elements of scale and when the rules should be broken. Mary

  5. Teresa at Splendid Sass November 26, 2010 | 5:13 pm

    This is seriously beautiful. Love the tone and serenity in this home.
    Hope that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving.
    Teresa

  6. Claudia Juestel November 26, 2010 | 6:53 pm

    European, chic and understated with touches of organized artistic chaos. What is most impressive is the timelessness of these rooms. Thanks for finding all these photos.

    Cheers,

    Claudia

  7. Reggie Darling November 26, 2010 | 10:07 pm

    Some of the most gorgeous interiors, ever. Was there anything or anyone chicer than the Twomblys? It helped that his mother was a Vanderbilt. In looking at these it brings to mind Bruce Budd’s apartment that was in WOI several months ago. Great post HC, thanks for assembling these photos. And yes, that does look like a young Marisa Berenson in that marvelous fashion shoot. Reggie

  8. Spots & Stripes November 26, 2010 | 10:58 pm

    Heather, this apartment is superb because of the restraint shown. It’s not cluttered with too many cushions, objects, tables etc. So each room has a perspective. It’s perfect. Amber

  9. Ragland Hill Social by Gwen Driscoll November 27, 2010 | 2:11 am

    Oh, those floors! And, everything else of course. Thanks so much for pulling these beautiful images together. Straight to the archives for inspiration. Hope you are having a fab holiday weekend.

  10. Creative Tonic November 27, 2010 | 9:41 am

    I swoon over Horst and his images! In the early 90’s I helped open a gallery opening for Horst in Houston, Texas. He was soooo charming and I still am amazed over his classic photos. Great “sleuthing”!

  11. Penelope Bianchi November 27, 2010 | 9:52 am

    Good eye! definitely Marisa Berenson second to last……no question.

    the car……..was that an MG? I think it is the same car my father brought back from England in 1950..MG convertible.

    The best of the best……and Horst knew it when he saw it.

    wonderful post……….thank you soooooo much. I am so thankful and grateful for the divine blogs…….it is an amazing thing.
    Especially yours……….

    What an elegant and talented creature!

    Penelope

  12. jones November 27, 2010 | 2:54 pm

    Hi Heather, I just went over this post again this morning……..I definitely need that little gilt chair in the first photo. Once again, thank you for this fantastic post. Mary

  13. thebasicsbypaulbyrondowns November 27, 2010 | 8:23 pm

    Like the effect of the wire or black paint line that runs down the walk. Always have been a big fan of Twombly’s chalkboard pieces!

    Paul
    http://www.PaulByronDowns.com

  14. Ree November 28, 2010 | 3:26 pm

    I ADORE the works of Twombly…lovely,delicate,breathy…and these interiors…I vaguely recall them from my youth…Such a pretty world…

  15. IVAN TERESTCHENKO November 28, 2010 | 11:42 pm

    Some of the best photos of Cy Twombly’s place in Rome were taken by Bruce Weber and published in his book ” A house is not a home” I guess you have that book but if not, then you must. Best, Ivan

  16. fmm November 29, 2010 | 1:34 pm

    Fantastic!! Amazing work finding these pictures. I heard about them many years ago and always hoped I would come across them somewhere…they totally lived up to expectations and thanks once again for doing it so thoroughly–finding images from different sources in different lights from different angles totally gives you the sense of the space. THANKS.

  17. Helen James November 29, 2010 | 8:23 pm

    Ilove him so much I named my Son after him, Thank you for the insight into his interiors, his creativity obviously extends beyond the canvas

  18. Frankie July 25, 2011 | 11:16 pm

    Stunning! I love the mix of the classic and the shabby. Those photos make me want to redecorate my whole life.