Wall in the Central Hall

The trompe l’oeil architecture provides the organizational structure for the large Central Hall, where the space is measured with rhythmic linearity. White Corinthian columns illusionistically supporting the ceiling, frame famous episodes from Roman history. These are flanked by the four original elements: Earth, Water, Air, and Fire, embodied by Cybele, Neptune, Juno, and Jupiter. At the feet of the elements are the skillfully modeled bodies of four prisoners along with trophies of war.

The present picture shows the historical scene Scipio Returning Lucius’s Betrothed.