Mantegna's House

The motto “AB OLYMPO” is inscribed, as a joyful warning, over the entrance visible when entering the inner courtyard. These words, though mysterious still today, certainly refer to a direct connection between the art of men and the world of the Gods, the Olympus ruled by Jupiter. It must be noted, in fact, that the Mount Olympus was also a theme dear to the Gonzaga family. The motto, however, is ambiguous, because by simply translating it as “from the Olympus” it is uncertain whether it is alluding to a House that is the home of the Gods, or if on the contrary this same house is being blessed by a presence that descends on it from above.