How you can use this image
This image can be used for non-commercial research or private study purposes, and other UK exceptions to copyright permitted to users based in the United Kingdom under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988, as amended and revised. Any other type of use will need to be cleared with the rights holder(s).
Review the copyright credit lines that are located underneath the image, as these indicate who manages the copyright (©) within the artwork, and the photographic rights within the image.
The collection that owns the artwork may have more information on their own website about permitted uses and image licensing options.
Review our guidance pages which explain how you can reuse images, how to credit an image and how to find images in the public domain or with a Creative Commons licence available.
Notes
Add or edit a note on this artwork that only you can see. You can find notes again by going to the ‘Notes’ section of your account.
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