Triumphs of Caesar
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Andrea Mantegna's Triumphs of Caesar are considered to be one of the most important works of the Italian Renaissance. They comprise a sequence of nine paintings that depict the triumphs of the great Roman emperor, Julius Caesar (c104-44 BC) are on display at Hampton Court Palace in London.
The Triumphs of Caesar were painted at the Italian court of Gonzagas during the period c1484-1505. The paintings were commissioned by either Ludovico II Gonzaga or, more probably, by Francesco II Gonzage for the Ducal Palace in Mantua. They were acquired by Charles I in 1629 when he purchased a major part of the Gonzaga collection and probably arrived at Hampton Court in 1630, where they have been ever since.
There is an introductory display about the patinings at the entrance to the Lower Orangery.
Contents |
[edit] History
To commemorate the 500th anniversary of Andrea Mantegna's death, The Triumphs of Caesar, often regarded as the artist's finest works, were re-presented at Hampton Court Palace (their home for nearly four centuries) with the ambition of improving visitor appreciation both intellectually and visually.
Considered to be some of the most important Italian Renaissance paintings in the world, The Triumphs of Caesar were described as 'the best thing Mantegna ever painted' by Giorgio Vasari in the 16th century, and their status as masterpieces has remained unchallenged ever since. The series of nine paintings, probably commissioned by Francesco Gonzaga in about 1485, depict Julius Caesar on a triumphal chariot returning from his successful campaigns, in a procession of Roman soldiers, standard-bearers, musicians and the spoils of war including an assortment of booty (including arms, intricate sculpture and gold vases), exotic animals and captives. Mantegna found inspiration for the scenes he created in written accounts of Caesar's celebratory processions through Rome as well as surviving Roman antiquities.
The canvases were acquired by Charles I in 1629 when his agent Daniel Nys travelled to Italy and purchased works of art, including paintings by Titian, Raphael and Caravaggio as well as The Triumphs of Caesar. Soon after their addition to the Royal Collection they were brought to Hampton Court Palace, which has remained their permanent home ever since.
[edit] A Triumphant Presentation
Improving physical visitor access to the masterpieces is a central focus of the re-presentation. Historically, access to the Triumphs has been only via the south gardens leaving the paintings largely undiscovered except by the most dedicated of visitors. A new route into the Lower Orangery will bring visitors from Base Court, a central palace courtyard, almost immediately into the gallery that houses Mantegna's works.
A new introductory space just before the gallery will help to transform the visitor's appreciation and understanding of the Triumphs through a short film where leading historians, artists and cultural commentators will explain why the Triumphs are important and how we should look at them today.
The Lower Orangery gallery itself will benefit from a greatly improved lighting scheme that will not only enhance the paintings visually, but also the atmosphere in which they are experienced. Wooden benches with audio interpretation telling the story of the paintings, of Julius Caesar and of Mantegna will allow visitors to view, enjoy and reflect on the works in comfort, alongside six ancient busts, including one of the Empress Faustina owned by Mantegna himself, and which he used as inspiration when he painted the Triumphs.
Finally, as they depart the gallery, visitors will be encouraged to explore the story of art further at Hampton Court Palace, in particular the Tudor paintings celebrating Henry VIII's own 'triumphs' such as The Battle of the Spurs.
Historic Royal Palaces curator Brett Dolman said. "The Triumphs of Caesar are probably the most important paintings at Hampton Court Palace. They are revolutionary works of art, executed by a painter at the top of his game, full of invention, passion, noise, theatre and story. They have also had an unfortunate and troubled history of unsuccessful restoration and re-presentation. On the 500th anniversary of Mantegna's death, we owe it to the Triumphs to bring an end to these misadventures, and celebrate their importance by helping visitors read the paintings with a more accessible piece of interpretation and a more accessible gallery. This is the first step towards fulfilling Historic Royal Palace's broader ambition of telling the story of art at Hampton Court Palace in an accessible and interesting way."
[edit] Location
The Lower Orangery was originally built to house Mary II's collection of botanical specimens. It has now been converted into a gallery to display Andrea Mantegna's Triumphs of Caesar.
[edit] Facts
- The 'Triumphs of Caesar' represent some of the most important Italian Renaissance paintings in the world. Collectively they constitute the largest area of Renaissance painting in a single pageant on display outside of Italy.
- The series was painted by Andrea Mantegna - the son of a master carpenter, probably between c.1484-1505.
- Mantegna was born 1430/1 and died in 1506. He trained in Padua and was the Court painter to the Gonzaga family from 1460.
- A 'Triumph' was the greatest honour that could be given to a Roman general. These paintings celebrate two of Julius Caesar's greatest campaigns - his victory over the Gauls and the recovery of Pontus in Asia Minor.
- The series of nine paintings depict soldiers carrying captured booty, elephants and other exotic animals and also Caesar on a triumphal chariot.
- Each canvas measures 2.66m x 2.78m. In total they cover an area more than 70 metres square.
- The works were painted in 'tempera' - a mixture of egg yolk and pigment.
- The paintings were bought for Charles I in 1629 by his agent, Daniel Nys. Nys obtained an impressive collection for the king which included works by Titian, Raphael and Caravaggio - all for the sum of,25,000.
- The canvasses have been displayed at Hampton Court Palace since their arrival in England in 1630, apart from a brief three month spell in 1992, when they were exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts.
- After the execution of Charles I in 1649, the 'Triumphs' were listed in an inventory and valued at,1,000. However Oliver Cromwell decided not to sell the paintings as their importance to the nation was too great.
- The paintings deteriorated to such an extent that visitors in the 19th century deplored their decayed condition.
- Today eight of the paintings can be seen in their restored state, however the painting entitled 'The Captives' was left in an uncleaned state in the 1962-1974 restoration as no original paint lay below the surface.
- Over the years the 'Triumphs' have been hung in various parts of Hampton Court Palace. Today they are displayed in the Lower Orangery, in a setting which re-creates the interior of the Palace of San Sebastiano in Mantua, Italy, where the paintings were hung from 1506 in a specially built gallery.
- Don't believe your eyes. The lighting and positioning of the paintings conjures up the illusion that the Roman procession is moving right in front of you.
- The titles of the individual paintings in 'The Triumphs of Caesar' are as follows:
I The Trumpeters II The Triumphal Carts III The Trophy Bearers IV The Vase Bearers V The Elephants VI The Corselet Bearers VII The Captives VII The Musicians IX Julius Caesar on his Chariot
