Lattanzio Gambara (c. 1530-Brescia 1574)
The Wedding of Pirithöus and Hippodamia (I) c. 1560
Fresco transferred to canvas | 277.0 x 191.0 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 401215
Great Stair, Palace of Holyroodhouse
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This is one of a set of ten panels by the Brescian fresco painter Lattanzio Gambara, eight of which are in the Royal Collection. The fresco cycle depicts scenes from Ovid's ‘Metamorphoses’, and was painted for the Palazzo Pedrocca-Scaglia in Brescia. The Palace was destroyed in 1853 and shortly before this date the frescoes were removed from the walls and transferred to canvas. In 1856 they were purchased by Ludwig Gruner for Prince Albert as examples of the fresco painting technique for artists working on the decoration of the new Houses of Parliament. This scene is part of the main fresco on the North wall which tells the story of the wedding of Pirithöus and Hippodamia. A table is placed diagonally under a grey-orange tent; the centaur Eurytus leans across the table and seizes Hippodamia by the hair while he is attacked by two lapiths, one with a plate. In 1807 Nicoli Cristiani penned a description of the sala of the Pedrocca Palace with the frescoes in situ. Although it is difficult to reconstruct the appearance of the room precisely, it suggests that this scene was found in the centre of the north wall.
Provenance
Acquired by Prince Albert
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Creator(s)
Acquirer(s)
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Medium and techniques
Fresco transferred to canvas
Measurements
277.0 x 191.0 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
295.0 x 209.4 x 12.6 cm (frame, external)
Category
Object type(s)