Exquisite Interior Photos Highlight the Beauty of Italy’s Opulent Architecture

Attention To Light And Color Captured On Film

We first encountered David Burdeny‘s work last year with his series of compelling images of Moscow's subway station. The architect-turned-photographer has now moved his attention toward the opulent architecture of Italy, capturing the hidden decadence of the Italian peninsula. From north to south, Burdeny's sharp eye takes the viewer into unique spaces, some still private residences, others transformed into museums, others shuttered permanently and falling into decay. His compositional symmetry and attention to light and color betray his background as a practicing architect, as he gives value to the structure as a living, breathing figure. It's easy to imagine the phantoms of history past floating through the scenery.

The series itself could be a study of Italy's hidden heritage—from the unexpectedly colorful Castle of Sammezzano, an example Moorish Revival architecture that began construction in 1605 and has remained closed to the public for 25 years, to the luxurious hunting lodge at the Stupingi Palace, former residence of the Royal house of Savoy turned UNESCO World Heritage Site. The images display the intricate interiors full of craftsmanship, whether it be Murano glass chandeliers or elaborately frescoed ceilings, capturing an age when Italy was a world leader.

“I seek to capture the mood and promise, silence and solitude in that extended moment of awareness,” Burdeny says. “In my earlier architectural practice and now my photography career, I'm fascinated by the opportunity to invest symbols and narrative into built form or see the metaphor in a material space.” Beyond the technical prowess that digital photography affords us, Burdeny likes to think that “there is a mystery at the heart of all my photographs, an appeal for the viewer to keep looking and see more.”

From November 10-December 23, 2016, Burdeny's exhibition Selected Works from Russia, Cuba, and Salt will be on view at Herringer Kiss Gallery in Calgary, Alberta. He will also be showing work at Art Toronto with Bau-Xi Gallery from October 28-31, 2016.

Above image: Hunting Lodge (Rotunda), Stupingi Palace, Piedmont, Italy

Photograph Of Intricate Interior Full Of Craftsmanship

Palazzo Colonna, Rome, Italy 2016

Photograph Of Italian Opulent Architecture

Castle of Sammezzano, Tuscany, Italy, 2016

Photography Of Italy's Hidden Heritage

Map Room, Villa Farnese, Caprarola, 2016

Photograph Of Elaborate Frescoed Ceiling

Mirror Room, Ducal Palace, Mantua, Italy, 2016

Photograph Of Fine Craftsmanship Within Italian Structure

Library, Naples, Italy, 2016

Opulent Italian Architecture

Gran Galleria, Reggia di Venaria Reale, Piedmont, 2016

Intricate Interiors Of Italian Building

Court Theater, Royal Palace of Caserta, Caserta, Italy, 2016

Photograph Of An Italian Narrative In Built Form

Apartments of Princess Isabella, Palazzo Colonna, Rome, Italy, 2016

Italian Heritage Woven Into Architecture

Palazzo Madama, Turin, Italy, 2016

Italian Structure Captured As A Living Figure

Ca' Rezzonico II, Venice, Italy, 2012

Italian Opulent Architecture

Reggia di Caserta, Caserta, Italy, 2016

Italian Unique Spaces

Tenuta Berroni, Racconigi, Italy, 2016

Italian Architecture With Intricate Interior

Castello, Racconigi, Italy, 2016

David Burdeny: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to use photos by David Burdeny.

Jessica Stewart

Jessica Stewart is a Contributing Writer and Digital Media Specialist for My Modern Met, as well as a curator and art historian. Since 2020, she is also one of the co-hosts of the My Modern Met Top Artist Podcast. She earned her MA in Renaissance Studies from University College London and now lives in Rome, Italy. She cultivated expertise in street art which led to the purchase of her photographic archive by the Treccani Italian Encyclopedia in 2014. When she’s not spending time with her three dogs, she also manages the studio of a successful street artist. In 2013, she authored the book 'Street Art Stories Roma' and most recently contributed to 'Crossroads: A Glimpse Into the Life of Alice Pasquini'. You can follow her adventures online at @romephotoblog.
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