The Garden at Bomarzo: A Renaissance Riddle

by Jessie Sheeler, Sheeler

Probably the most enigmatic garden in Europe, the Sacred Wood at Bomarzo in central Italy has been called extravagant, mysterious, unholy, surrealist, fascinating and good fun, but it has never been perfectly understood – which is possibly just as its creator intended. The recurring theme of the ornamentation in the garden is the struggle of man's soul to distinguish between earthly and divine love, to see what is real and what illusion. Drawing on familiar figures from classical literature and contemporary Italian works, Vicino poses challenges to his audience, forcing an intellectual as well as an aesthetic response to the complex landscape of Bomarzo.

Genres: Nonfiction, History

128 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 2007

About the author

Jessie Sheeler, née McGuffie, (d. 2022) grew up in Edinburgh, and whilst a student at the University there first met Ian Hamilton Finlay the writer and artist. She was instrumental in publishing some of his early work, and the work on many experiment poets and artists in the journal POTH (Poor Old Tired Horse). In 1961, she was the co-founder with Finlay of the Wild Hawthorn Press. Whilst teaching at Bedales school she kept up a lively connection with the arts scene in the UK and in particular Edinburgh. She continues to write on topics related to art and gardening, particularly on conceptual gardens like the one at Little Sparta created by Ian Hamilton Finlay.

Reviews

[Brenda Mashford]

Every page steeped in history, myth and fantasy. Drawings and photographs full of wonder, torment, love and horror. A book so fascinating, it has to be read and savoured until the very end.