Allegory of Italy

In the vast cloud-studded sky covering the vaulted ceiling of the large Bronzino Room, the historical and allegorical subject of a united, free, and victorious Italy is illustrated, anticipated by the Trionfo dell’Italia (Triumph of Italy) in the Grand Ballroom:

a large tricolor flag, with the Savoy shield in the center, and two maidens flying around it.

The first, with long blond hair and a five-pointed star, the symbol of Italy, on her head, is fixing a blue ribbon with gold fringing around the pole, while the other, with her wings spread, is holding the flag.

On the left, winged cherubs bear a helmet and a sword.

Below a winged cherub bears a chain with broken links which represent war and the winning of freedom.

on the right, there is a procession of female figures waving palm leaves led by the personifications of the three capitals of Italy:

Turin and Florence, recognizable by the emblems of the bull and the lily, and, in the foreground, Rome.

The new capital of the kingdom, crowned by the helmet, wearing a tunic and purple cape, and holding the shield with the Greek cross and the inscription SPQR, emblem of the city,

corresponds to a probable Allegory of Peace with olive branches.

On the far side of the vaulted ceiling, a triumphant winged figure stands out with a trumpet and laurel wreath, symbols of Fame and Victory,

accompanied by joyful winged cherubs who are lifting a cloth with oak branches, a symbol of Strength.