Monumental masterpiece 'Punto di fuga' adorns Farnese Palace façade in Rome

The French Embassy in Italy, located in Rome's Farnese Palace, has unveiled a stunning new artwork by JR, entitled Punto di Fuga, on the façade of the building. Covering over 600 square meters, the monumental trompe-l'oeil depicts an intricate architectural fantasy that combines real and imaginary spaces within the palace. The artwork aims to highlight the embassy's desire to keep the palace "open for work" during its ongoing renovation project.

The Farnese Palace has a rich history and has inspired artists for centuries, including JR, who has created this latest work as a tribute to the building's architecture and fresco decorations. Punto di Fuga showcases the colonnade of Antonio da Sangallo's vestibule and Salviati's frescoes in the Hall of the Splendors of the Farnese, among other features. These elements are depicted emerging from a mineral material, creating a spatial and temporal depth that adds to the overall effect of the work.

The sculpture of the Farnese Hercules, which had been moved from its original place in the Cortile of the palace, has been restored to its rightful position as part of the artwork. JR's work is also a continuation of his "Chronicles" series, where he creates large-scale frescoes featuring hundreds of people in narrative compositions that offer a portrait of an era. The use of anamorphosis, a mathematical illusion and visual game, allows the image to be constructed and deconstructed according to the viewer's position.

JR has established a dialogue with the Farnese Palace's façade, drawing attention to key elements of its architecture, including the works of Sangallo and Michelangelo. This emphasis on the past is also reflected in the decorative system in red brick and the Farnese coat of arms that emerge from the artwork. Visitors are invited to engage with the artwork by discovering these details and finding the perfect point of anamorphosis, which is located in the middle of Via dei Baullari.

The artwork is made up of Dibond panels fixed to scaffolding and vinyl tarpaulins on the palisades, creating a perfect example of anamorphosis. The work invites visitors to play with the image and find the ideal perspective for maximum effect. This project is not JR's first architectural work, having previously created similar pieces.

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Cover photo: Punto di Fuga, Farnese Palace, Rome - ©JR-ART.NET