View of the Piccolomini Library

The picture shows the view from the window wall of the entry wall with the scenes of the presentation of Frederick III to Eleonora of Portugal and Enea Silvio Piccolomini being elevated to cardinal.

The ten compartments are separated by painted pilasters with grotteschi decoration, while each individual scene is framed by illusionistic jambs and arches decorated with simulated red and white marble paneling. Wee seem to be looking through the arches of a gigantic loggia into scenes from Enea Silvio’s life. The pageant-like incidents display a panoply of colourful costumes against fanciful architectural or landscape backgrounds, except when a recognizable setting was required by the narrative.