Via Margutta

Via Margutta is a narrow street in the centre of Rome, near Piazza del Popolo, accessible from Via del Babuinoin the ancient Campo Marzio neighborhood also known as"the foreigner's quarter". Mount Pincio is nearby. Via Margutta originally was home to modest craftsmen, workshops and stables, but now hosts many art galleries and fashionable restaurants.

After the 1953 film Roman Holiday became popular, Via Margutta developed into an exclusive neighborhood, where such celebrities as film director Federico Fellini lived.

"One hundred painters of Via Margutta", is a traditional arts festival warmly celebrated by citizens. The expo is sponsored by the Mayor and the Province of Rome (Lazio), and for many years has been a burgeoning field for the discovery of new artists.

The celebration makes Via Margutta a true public art gallery, presenting more than 1,000 works of art, including oil paintings, drawings, and watercolors in every expressive style. Some of the works on exhibit are of unknown or less-famous artists, chosen by a multi-national jury of art critics.

When I painted the old Fiat 500 I had no idea as to the story behind Via Margutta where the car is found parked, and nor did I know of the cars seeming popularity...