Galleria Borghese children's book blends fairy tale with museum guide

Electa has published "Galleria Borghese. Un'avventura al museo", a bilingual (Italian-English) illustrated book for children aged 7–12. Written and illustrated by Giulia D'Anna Lupo, the story follows three siblings—Irene, Camillo, and Costantino—who visit the Galleria Borghese in Rome and fall under a spell that brings artworks to life. The narrative features the maga Melissa from Dosso Dossi's painting inspired by Orlando Furioso, and includes encounters with historical figures such as Paolina Borghese and Proserpina. The book also incorporates historical interventions and technical sheets on masterpieces by Antonio Canova, Raphael, Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Antonello da Messina, and Caravaggio. Cardinal Scipione Borghese, who founded the collection around 1616, appears as a guide. The volume aims to make the museum's treasures accessible to young readers through fantasy.