September 28, 2013
How is it that Roman women look so chic and carefree, no matter what they’re doing? Hauling babies, schlepping bags, riding bikes–all at the same time.
I guess it’s that Italian thing called sprezzatura, defined by Castiglione in The Book of the Courtier as “a certain nonchalance, so as to conceal all art and make whatever one does or says appear to be without effort and almost without any thought about it”.
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We are waiting for you in Ferla, Jann!
How about we plan to get together sometime in October, Katie??? That would be fun. I’d love to do another photo shoot there.
First, I have to learn how to pronounce the word and then try to say it
correctly. I would love to allow myself that luxury to my life. See, I even
said I had to allow myself, that’s the difference, for them it just is.
Vicki, you made me smile. Yes, let’s give ourselves permission to live with sprezzatura.
I bet that seriously cool lady didn’t break into sweat and arrived at her destination with her blow dried hair intact. Fantastica! I love the photo. Brava Jann!
🙂 Ciao Anitre. Grazie mille. Tutto bene??
Inner beauty abounds in Italy Jann. I think that has something to do with it. Living in the moment too. Just getting on with life everyday rather than waiting around for the weekend….. Gorgeous gorgeous image. xox
Yes, Janine. As you say, Italians seem to live so in the moment. I’m still struggling to get over my delayed-gratification Puritanism.
Just ordered the book from Amazon. Looking forward to reading it.
Ciao Catherine. Great to hear from you. There’s also a recent book (within the last 10 yrs; recent compared to the Castiglione) called “Sprezzatura.” It’s quite good.
I did not know ‘sprezzatura’ either but now I will look for the book ‘ guess it’s that Italian thing called sprezzatura, defined by Castiglione in The Book of the Courtier as ”a certain nonchalance, so as to conceal all art and make whatever one does or says appear to be without effort and almost without any thought about it”.
Thanks for the tiup.
Are you no longer blogging? Inner Chick said she would miss your posts.
Catherine
I’m blogging less frequently these days, but haven’t given up yet!
And the men have it too in Rome, my favourite city. I think one of the things they are genius at is incorporation. Everything that is already there is incorporated into a whole. There are no ruins vs modern buildings, or down-at-heel areas vs upmarket areas, or worthwhile vs nonworthwhile aspects of life; it’s all together, all incorporated. I think it shows up too in the people and their attitude and grace. xx
Love this comment, Narelle. You’re so right.
Awesome, Jann. Sadly, I didn’t inherit that trait!
Nor is it in my DNA, Debbie. Not an ounce of sprezzatura. 🙁
I arrived in Rome four days ago and note with envy the very quality
Ha, Jane…. do enjoy ROMA!!!
“Sprezzatura”…Love this word. I am adding it to my verbal palette.
🙂
Are any of your American readers going to be horrified that these two are not wearing helmets?
Practical helmets don’t fit in too well with bella figura or sprezzatura, Sam.
Ciao Jann, That word “sprezzatura”, is a perfect discription of me when I’m driving. Carefree and oblivious to any dangers, in fact driving in Italy was fun for me however my girlfriend I believe did not share the same feelings.
Ha, John. I can just picture you, one hand on the wheel of your convertible Mazerati, flying down the country roads of Italy. 🙂
“WOMEN”
Excuse me!
We will forgive you a typo, my dear. xxxxx
OOOO,
LOVE the VIVID Yellow Bag!
I agree. I observed this in London. Even how the woman arrange their scarves are stylish and posh.
I NEED more Castiglione!
I’ve miss your posts, Sweet Jann. Xxxxxxx
Yup, European women know the Secrets of the Scarf. I know I’ve been away from WordPress too much. 🙂 Hope to get back into the swing of things sometime soon. xxxx
Love that brilliant yellow bag! How is it one can capture drama when the subject is merely riding a bicycle? You are an artiste beyond measure!
Nan, you made me blush with that extravagant compliment. 🙂