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The Bibiena family of architects and theatre designers worked for the courts of north Italy and central Europe. Paintings by Ferdinando are rare. Three family members are shown in the foreground, probably Ferdinando, his brother Francesco (1659–1739) and eldest son Alessandro (1686–1748). Accompanied by allegorical figures on the left including History and Painting, they present their plans to a ruler, represented by an enthroned female flanked by a warrior and by an allegory of abundance, with three crowned lions above pyramids, signifying three dukedoms. This ruling house is also represented by three framed male portraits of the late seventeenth century, accompanied respectively by Justice, Prudence and Peace. The horned river god on the right, with numerous putti bearing urns of water, is the River Po.
Title
Design for an allegorical Ceiling Painting
Medium
oil on canvas
Measurements
H 60.2 x W 56.5 cm
Accession number
WA1965.62
Acquisition method
Purchased, 1965
Work type
Painting