ANCIENT ROME

The textures and worn down
layers, the eternal beauty,
the respect for the ageless,
reminding us to focus on
what is authentic and real,
what is solid enough
to endure STILL LIFE & DESIGN

Taking a moment to really
look at the details,
shadows and light,
the elegant simplicity,
the sensuality and allure
of life as an art form PIAZZAS & FOUNTAINS

The Italian meeting place,
an outdoor community center
- the curved sculptures,
refreshing water, open light
- bringing together all,
from priest to "principessa,"
locals and visitors alike
knowing there is always
a place to go MARKETS & CAFES

The morning ritual
"As the Romans Do"...
congregating with neighbors
at the café bar, shopping
at the open-air market,
preparing fresh culinary
delights, eating together
– what joy STREET SCENES

The Roman arena, a Fellini
set with no need for props:
laundry hanging, lovers kissing,
craftsman working, endless
surprises tucked in the hidden
alleyways and around
every corner COUNTRYSIDE & GARDENS

Finding sanctuary in the
midst of everything, stealing
away to one of the countless
hidden treasures, hill towns,
city parks, Italian gardens
– rejuvenating – and oh
so fragrant VENICE REFLECTIONS

Strolling along the canals
at dawn or dusk, mesmerized
by myriad reflections,
watching the fog roll in,
catching a ride on a
"vaporetto"or water taxi, being
transported to a place where
cars don’t exist and costumes
adorn - simply magical ROME PANORAMA

Standing high above
a vista so ancient,
so accessible, stretching your
imagination far and wide,
back centuries to where the
Roman Empire reigned,
where some things still remain,
and love conquers all PARIS

Absorbing the architectural
magnificence in the rain
or dashing for cover at the
Louvre or Rodin museum
- perception and passion clearly
washing over you VIENNA

Europeans lingering – life
revolving around the café,
where time stands still
- strolling in the old town,
watching passersby – sitting in
the same café day after day,
perhaps absorbed in that
writing or drawing project NEW YORK CITY

Getting into the rhythm of
Manhattan, moving across the
breathtaking Brooklyn Bridge
at a good pace, hanging out
in the Village or Soho
- characters on every corner,
most everyone coming from
someplace else, and anything
is possible SAN FRANCISCO

Crossing the glorious
Golden Gate Bridge or
arriving by ferry, never
quite prepared for the chill
of summertime or the soaring
hills and vistas. Still,
North Beach - with its cafés,
colorful murals and jazzy folks,
will warm your heart
– a place I once called home BESTSELLERS COLLECTION

Choose what inspires you
- the Pantheon, the panorama of
Rome, the Bernini hand, the sensual
sculpture, the lively characters,
the Venice canals, whatever
you like - and bring images of
the world to your doorstep NEW ADDITIONS

Come visit us again
– there is always more to discover:
colors, textures, light, patterns,
people, cafés, piazzas and
street life "As the Romans Do,"
here in Italy and beyond

Scroll through picture bar and press to select each gallery - PHOTOGRAPHS BY DIANE EPSTEIN