A view of the Niobids group; an antique composition by Balthus in the garden of the Villa Medici where is located the French Academy in Rome; Italy which celebrates this year its 350th anniversary; on Feb.11; 2016. 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. Founded by Louis XIV in 1666; French Academy has welcomed; since then; generations of artists and scholars. Since 1803 the French Academy is located at the Villa Medici (Villa Medicis). 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; graffiti; restoration and cookery. Photo by Eric Vandeville/akg-images