House of Broletto Street

Only a few fresco fragments have survived from what is believed to have once been one of the most striking façades in Mantua. The vivid colours and elegant brush strokes - bearing all the hallmarks of Mantegna's style - can still be admired today. The second floor displays the customary chain pattern of rings. In this instance they are not in the traditional red and green, but in faux bas-reliefs with the outlines of some mythical sea creatures. Running alongside the cornice above is a cupped frieze with plant motifs surrounding the circular openings of the highest windows.