Byron's Babbles

It is interesting that the idea of a private retreat to disconnect from our hectic worlds and for intellectual activities remains the same as in the Renaissance period. This week while reading Amor Towles’ latest and incredible book, Table for Two, studiolos were discussed in relation to paintings and art work. I found that a studiolo is a small room used as a study private retreat, typically found in a Renaissance palace or mansion. It was described as a room of one’s own. Really the precursor to the den, office, study, woman cave, or man cave. It would seem we have always needed our space. These rooms were often decorated with artwork, books, and other items to inspire intellectual pursuits and creativity. They were used by scholars, artists, and nobility as a quiet space for reflection and contemplation.

Machiavelli described the studiolo to a friend, by writing:

“When evening comes, I return home and go into my study. On the threshold I strip off my muddy, sweaty workday clothes, and put on the robes of court and palace, and in this graver dress I enter the antique courts of the ancients and am welcomed by them. . . . Then I make bold to speak to them and ask the motives for their actions and they, in their humanity, reply to me. And for the space of four hours I forget the world, remember no vexations, fear poverty no more, tremble no more at death: I pass into their world.^”

Leonardo da Vinci, The Literary Works of Leonardo da Vinci, 1: 56, no. 23.

I have a space like this in my house. What I enjoy in it are all the little things that people have given me or that I have obtained while traveling that remind me of great friends, events, family, and places. Sometimes I catch myself looking at something and I am taken back to that place and my friends I have made there. For example, as I write this post I am looking up at a gift (see the featured image of this post) I was given while on my most recent international trip to Dubai. This piece means a lot to me because I went everyone on this plate with the individual who gave it to me. I love that Towles’ book, that I find to be all about relationships, reminded me how important keeping all our relationships front of mind is. I, for one, am bad about letting some of the people who I have been close to drift away when not in close proximity on a regular bases. I have gotten better, but need to continue to get better. The things in our studiolos can help as reminders of this.

As I stated earlier, the concept of a studiolo has evolved into modern home offices or personal libraries. People still create spaces in their homes for intellectual pursuits, creativity, and quiet reflection. Having a designated space for personal reflection and intellectual activities can be beneficial for mental health and productivity. It provides a sanctuary from the distractions of everyday life and allows for focused thinking and creativity. Having a studiolo or similar space can help us decompress, recharge, and enhance their overall well-being.