GLORIFICATION OF THE REIGN OF URBAN VIII, PALAZZO BARBERINI, ROME

(1633-1639)

Commissioned by theBarberinifromPietro da Cortona, theGlorification of the Reign ofUrban VIIIshows Divine Providence commanding Immortality to crown the Barberini escutcheon, composed of bees contained in a laurel wreath held by Faith, Charity, and Hope. This main scene is enclosed in an illusionisticquadraturaframework, partially concealed by fictive garlands, shells, masks, and other decorative elements. The scenes on the outer parameters of thefrescoare mythological representations that refer to the pope's deeds:MinervaDestroying Insolence and Pridefor his courageous fight against heresy,Silenusand theSatyrsfor his ability to overcome lust and intemperance,HerculesDriving out the Harpiesfor his sense of justice, andThe Temple of Janusfor his prudence. The scene graces the ceiling of the Barberini Palace's grand salon and was meant to awe visitors and impart upon them its propagandist message. The dynamism of the scene, with its heavyforeshorteningand elaborate allegorical content, had not been seen in art before. With this work, Cortona opened a new universe of possibilities in the field of ceiling fresco painting.