The Moaning Myrtle: Art and Inspiration

As of late, I've found myself strangely attracted to that one aisle in our "Main" library, the aisle full of books solely consecrated to the history and theory of art. These books filled with tons of hypnotizing photos and pictures have been my trusty companion during my finals preparation. They managed to elevate my spirits through the agonizing 3 hour study sessions, and I've been hooked on them ever since. Well, hooked on the art in them, that is.
And through the little things that I noticed, like spending a ridiculous time on tumblr searching for baroque churches or commissioning my friend to "look at the marble asses at Louvre" , I've come to the conclusion that classical art has become my main source of inspiration.

Caravaggio - The Incredulity of Saint Thomas, 1601 - 1602

But it wasn't always so. To me, it felt like I was strucked by lightning, how the art suddenly revealed to me all of its beauty. I was utterly fascinated by the darkness of Caravaggio and William Blake, the grace of Canova's sculptures and busts, the completely bizarre architectural decisions of Borromini. And although these masterpieces don't particularly inspire me in the way I dress or act, they inspire in me a huge appreciation of history and love for art. And they also make me want to live in St. Peter's Basilica. Make of that what you will...

Jacob Joardens - Prometheus Bound, 1640

Bernini - The Rape of Proserpina, 1622

It's safe to say that these two works, were those that I've felt in love with first. And putting my beloved mythos thématique aside, I love the dark baroque rawness of emotion that they portray.
Bernini especially, I adore. And seeing all of his precious works like The Rape of Proserpina, Apollo and Daphne and the bust of Medusa in one place is the ultimate dream for me. "The place" being Villa Borghese.

Villa Borghese, now the Galleria Borghese, is a true gem of late-baroque architecture known mainly for its large collection of antiquities established by the cardinal Scipione Borghese. And although it has now become a typical tourist attraction, the immense beauty of all of its fountains and statues can't be denied.

Oh, and while we're talking about architectural gems, I think it would a shame not to mention some of the other, and by no means less known, beauties...