Villa Borghese Pinciana

[4] The Casino Nobile was less a residence than a retreat for Borghese and his uncle to escape the summer heat of the city and to host receptions for dignitaries.

It was also a semi-public museum to house his art collection, including sculptures commissioned from Gian Lorenzo Bernini.

The Borghese Balustrade was crafted by G di Gincome and P. Massoni in 1618 for the south forecourt of the Casino Nobile.

In 1896, William Waldorf Astor, former U.S. Minister to Italy, purchased the balustrade and had it installed at his English estate Cliveden.

Old tapestry and leather hangings were removed, new ceiling decorations commissioned and the Casina renovated, according to designs by Antonio Asprucci and his son Mario.