Galleria dell'Eroe, Palazzo Madama (originally Palazzo Carpegna), Rome
Artist/Maker
Material / Technique
Dimensionsh x w: Mått 35,3 x 73 cm
Inventory numberNMH 627/1863
AcqusitionTransferred 1866 from Kongl. Museum (Carl Gustaf Tessin)
Other titlesTitle (sv): Galleria dell'Eroe, Palazzo Madama (ursprungligen Palazzo Carpegna), Rom Title (en): Galleria dell'Eroe, Palazzo Madama (originally Palazzo Carpegna), Rome Inventory title (sv): Galleri med plafond och väggorneringar med Cariatider m.m.
DescriptionDescription: Laid down. Inscribed at the bottom in pen and black ink: L. Gimignani, Cabinet de Crozat (Tessin), numbered at lower right: 537 (Sparre) Early sketch for the original decorative project for the Galleria dell'Eroe in Palazzo Carpegna, Rome, executed by Ludovico Gimignani probably for Marchese Cesare Baldinotti in the 1680s. When the palace was pulled down in the 1930s, the ceiling and frescoes were transferred to canvas and installed in a corridor in Palazzo Madama. It is not known to what extent the Galleria dell'Eroe ever had a wall decoration similar to that of the design in this or the following drawings. In this sketch the subjects of the ceiling decoration are only suggested, but nevertheless easily recognizable. The final version depicts scenes from the life of Caesar, namesake of the patron: to the left Cleopatra kneeling before Caesar, in the centre the Apotheosis of Caesar according to Ovid. To the right Caesar is burning Pompey's captured letters after the battle of Pharsalus. In the oval spaces above the doors Caesar's homage to the statue of Alexander on one side, Caesar swimming, holding a book and his sword aloft, while escaping during the battle of Alexandria, on the other. In the Stockholm drawing the latter two scenes flank the Apotheosis of Caesar. Our drawing have traditionally been attributed to Gimignano, while for a long time the frescos were thought to be by Andrea Pozzo. Erich Schleier was the first to identify the frescos as the work of Ludovico Gimignani [Bjurström, It. Drawings, cat. no. 724]
Collection
Geographical origin
TechniqueDrawing, Elevated, Wash drawing
Object category