Stanza Di Apollo 1540

Francesco Salviati painted this fresco of the Stanza di Apollo in the Palazzo Grimani in Venice sometime in the 16th century. The image's meaning emerges from the ways it combines visual codes, cultural references, and historical associations of Renaissance Italy. Salviati was a Florentine painter working in Venice. The Palazzo Grimani was the residence of a wealthy Venetian family. We see the God Apollo represented in the centre of the room. The use of classical imagery was very popular amongst the wealthy families of Venice as a way of demonstrating their connection to the glory of ancient Rome. The figures are posed in a way that is intended to convey strength and power, reflecting the owner’s aspirations. Careful study of the archival records and historical texts of the time can tell us much about the values of its patrons. The painting thus gives us insight into the political and social context of 16th century Venice.