The relations between Charles Gounod (1818-1893) and the Grand Prix de Rome began even before his birth: his father, François Gounod, Second Grand Prix in 1782, had earlier received permission to stay at the Villa Medici. During the period of his three attempts, crowned with the Premier Grand Prix in 1839, Charles Gounod refined his skill and gradually conformed to the academic norms. In the Eternal City he discovered his own style, was artistically emancipated, and became a fervent Catholic. He returned several times to Rome to renew his artistic roots, and always defended the institution which, rescuing the young artists from mercantilism, educated them. “Rome,” he would always say, “is itself a teacher.”