Ariosto Hall (XVI sec.) by Girolamo MirolaPalazzo Ducale del Giardino
The theme of the hall
The Hall of Ariosto, or of Alcina, is also the result of the collaboration between Mirola and Bertoja: the subjects represented are inspired by the chivalric work of Ludovico Ariosto, The Frenzy of Orlando, making the Hall an ideal narrative sequel to the Hall of the Kiss.
The frescoed architectural structure strikes the visitor in the room. In perspective, it seems to cut the narrative without disturbing the visitor in enjoying the pictorial opulence.
Ariosto Hall: Fight between two naked warriors (XVI sec.) by Girolamo MirolaPalazzo Ducale del Giardino
The fresco of the fight between two naked warriors.
Also in the Hall of Ariosto, as in almost all the rooms of the Palace, the monumentality of the bodies returns, visible here in the two naked warriors.
However, the ornaments with male and female figures have been preserved inside some seals at the base.
Ariosto Hall: queen Alcina receives Ruggero (XVI sec.) by Girolamo MirolaPalazzo Ducale del Giardino
Queen Alcina receives Ruggiero
The episode depicted in the Hall is the love story between Ruggiero and the evil sorceress Alcina, consummated when Ruggiero is a guest in the sorceress’ palace.
The motif of the seals at the base of the frescoes follow throughout the hall.
The recall to the strong classicism is present in the background where the Ionic columns can be seen.
Ariosto Hall: The queen Alcina receives Ruggiero (XVI sec.) by Girolamo MirolaPalazzo Ducale del Giardino
The pivotal moment of the entire theme of the hall
The narration starts from the scene in which Ruggiero meets Alcina for the first time, paying homage to her, and continues with the representation of the banquet offered to the guest and his companions and the moment in which Ruggiero kisses the wicked sorceress.
The meeting between Ruggiero and Alcina is the cornerstone of the fresco and the point from where the festivities begin.
Ariosto Hall: the "giuoco lieto" (XVI sec.) by Girolamo MirolaPalazzo Ducale del Giardino
The "Merry Games"
The story continues: all the guests indulge in games, pleasures, dances and entertainment, depicted on the walls and all around the vault.
From here the moments after the welcome of Ruggiero by Alcinia begin to be portrayed with the beginning of the pleasures, which will then follow in the following fresco.
Ariosto Hall (XVI sec.) by Girolamo MirolaPalazzo Ducale del Giardino
Amusements at the court of Alcina: dances and ablutions. The scenes of pleasures follow in the east wall.
In addition to the ablutions, the festivities are also followed by dances, visible here in the top of the fresco.
Ariosto Hall (XVI sec.) by Girolamo MirolaPalazzo Ducale del Giardino
The narration then continues in the ceiling frescoes.
Ruggiero and Alcina leave for the hunt.
The hunting scene follows.
The scene deals with the reading of the "said cupids".
The last scene is the bath in the spring.
