Pope Paul V's Building Projects
Adjoining the Zodiac Room is the Room of Paul V's Building Projects, whose restoration in 2005 brought to light the wonderful frieze of the pontiff's building projects
View of the Hall of Paul V’s Building ProjectsQuirinale Palace
The Restoration
Up until a few years ago, the Room of Paul V's Building Projects was known as the Hall of the Piedmontese Wall-Hangings, a name that referred to the silk panels that covered the walls.
Today, it is presented in the arrangement that followed the restoration of 2005.
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The extraordinary 17th-century frescoes emerged with the restoration and removal of the fabric.
The recovery of the frieze on the walls has brought to light the original decorative plan.
View of the Hall of Paul V’s Building ProjectsQuirinale Palace
It was discovered that Pope Paul V had left a record of his major building projects in this room.
The frieze celebrates views of Paul V's so-called building projects, which include the fountains and buildings that the pope had constructed, and which gave the room its current name.
The Fortress of Ferrara with the city and the ramparts in the background (1609/1610) by Cesare Rossetti and Ranuccio SemprevivoQuirinale Palace
The frescoes within the frieze, created in 1610 by Ranuccio Semprevivo and Cesare Rossetti, are characterised by their documentary value, the figures' quality of execution, and the architecture's accurate graphical rendering.
Among the buildings: The Fortress at Ferrara
St. Peter's Basilica between Hope and Charity and an unidentified fountain - Detail of the frieze in Paul V's Factory Room (1609/1610) by Cesare Rossetti and Ranuccio SemprevivoQuirinale Palace
the facade of the Saint Peter's Basilica,
View of the ceiling decoration in the Hall of Paul V’s Building Projects (1609/1610) by Ranuccio Semprevivo and Cesare RossettiQuirinale Palace
the Pauline Chapel in the Basilica of Saint Mary Major,
Papal granaries at the Baths of Diocletian (1609/1610) by Cesare Rossetti and Ranuccio SemprevivoQuirinale Palace
the Papal Granaries to the Baths of Diocletian,
The Fontana del Forno with the arm of Paul V (1609/1610) by Cesare Rossetti and Ranuccio SemprevivoQuirinale Palace
the Fountain of the Oven in Vatican,
Quirinal Palace seen from the garden side (1609/1610) by Cesare Rossetti and Ranuccio SemprevivoQuirinale Palace
and an unpublished view of a corner of the Quirinal Palace seen from the gardens are among the buildings that can be recognised.
View of the ceiling decoration in the Hall of Paul V’s Building Projects (1888)Quirinale Palace
The Oriental Flavor of the Vaulted Ceiling
The tempera on the vaulted ceiling remains from the previous configuration. It is consistent with the stylistic choice that was made for the neighboring reception rooms during Kaiser Wilhelm II of Germany's stay in 1888.
The multi-colored decoration is in an exotic style and was in harmony with the fine ivory silk panels placed on the walls, embroidered with decorations with an oriental flavor.
Chinese characters in a garden (1888) by Rodolfo MorgariQuirinale Palace
In the middle of the vaulted ceiling, among oriental vases, winged creatures, and blossoming branches, Rodolfo Morgari painted a garden with two Chinese figures.
View of the Hall of Paul V’s Building ProjectsQuirinale Palace
The Fine Furnishings
Furnishings of great quality and value are also kept in the room, including a set of an armchair, a sofa, and stools.
Detail of the sofa upholstery (Mid 18th century) by French manufactureQuirinale Palace
These date from the middle of the 18th century and originate from the Royal Palace of Colorno. They are of French manufacture.
The furniture is also typical of the next room, the Tapestries Room.
