Richard loved Villa Piazza Calda.

The artist spent most of his life — 46 years — living in the elegant Renaissance villa he lovingly restored with the help of famous English architect Cecil Pinsent. They added beautiful terraced gardens, citrus greenhouses, stone stairs, renovated the interior and, once done, Richard filled it with his favorite furniture and artwork., creating a stylish and comfortable refuge where he could happily live, work, and entertain .

My mother Rayanna and sister Rosemary visited Richard in 1969, and spent a wonderful day there, exploring the Montici workshop, roaming the gardens, and dining with him later that evening.

The photo above, from our family archives, gives you a glimpse of Richard at home. Rosemary and a smiling Richard are enjoying an espresso and game of backgammon after dinner. in the Villa’s living room. His personal touch and taste is everywhere — Oriental rugs on the floor; a soft, white sofa in front of an large fireplace; sea shells (a favorite subject of his art) gracing the mantelpiece; beautiful art on the walls; fresh-cut flowers on the coffee table.

The Italians would say Richard cut a ‘bella figura..” . It means to “make a good impression” through your manners, language, taste, style, gestures, clothes. It’s a high compliment, and a perfect description of Richard that evening .

Michael Schmicker

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