A view of the Niobids group; an antique composition by Balthus in the garden of the Villa Medici. In Greek mythology; the Niobids were the children of Amphion of Thebes and Niobe; slain by Apollo and Artemis because Niobe; born of the royal house of Phrygia; had boastfully compared the greater number of her own offspring with those of Leto; Apollo's and Artemis' mother: a classic example of hubris.--- The Villa Medici (Villa Medicis) ; french Academy in Rome since 1803 . In 1576 the property was acquired by Cardinal Ferdinando de' Medici and in 1803 by Napoleon Bonaparte. It is one of the most beautiful and prestigious place in Rome. The stays of the pensioners vary from six months to two years. The art disciplines are : painting; sculpture; architecture; musical composition;art history; archaeology; literature; photography; movies; video; restoration and cookery.Rome;Italy. 9/2008 . Photo : Eric Vandeville/akg-images