The Birth of Diana and Apollo
As part of the Mantua sale, Charles acquired a number of works by the Gonzaga’s court painter Giulio Romano, Raphael’s most talented pupil. Many of these pictures depict subjects taken from antiquity.
This work provides a pagan take on the nativity theme so apparent in this room. It formed a pair with no. 12, Giulio’s Birth of Jupiter and remains in the Royal Collection today.
Van der Doort c.1639
WS 18, № 9
Giulio Romano
Birth of Hercules, mother brought to bed under a tent, 4 nymphs washing the child, 7 small, full-length figures
Walpole Society reference (1960):
Measurements (Van der Doort):
3ft 6in x 4ft 8in (106.7 x 142.2cm)
Medium:
panel
Frame:
whited carved and gilded frame
Provenance:
Mantua piece
Location:
Original Manuscript page number:
MS. Ash. 1514, f. 23
Other inventories:
Mantua 1627, no. 965 (25 scudi, 150 lire)
Identification certainty:
Identified
Sale Inventory c.1649-51