Villa at Caprarola

In the center of this painting a grand procession of courtiers and clerics with Elizabeth Farnese, the queen of Spain, take an afternoon walk in Caprarola, north of Rome. Caprarola was known since antiquity for its cool air and rugged beauty. The country palace of the Farnese family, visible in the background, was being used by the Spanish ambassador to Rome, Cardinal Acquaviva, who leads the procession. Seated on a rock on the left is Vernet, recording every detail of this informal yet significant event.