2-888-593 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

French Academy - Rome, 1850. View of '... the Villa Medici (usually called the French Academy), adjoining the Piazza della Trinita de' Monti, on the Pincian Hill. It was formerly, as the name imports, the property of a member of the famous Medici family, Leo XI., but has been for many years in possession of the French Government, and used as the French Academy for the study of the fine arts at Rome, where a number of French students, who, in the yearly exhibitions at Paris, have given promise of excellence, are supported for a fixed period, to enable them to complete their studies on the classic soil of art. The mansion was built just three centuries ago, and the facade is said to be from the designs of Michael Angelo. The site is most agreeable, commanding a fine prospect and view of the principal buildings of the City beneath'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.