The Infancy of Jupiter
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 scenes 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 Hercules.
Van der Doort c.1639
WS 19, № 12
Giulio Romano
Cupid, lying on a wicker bank, 4 figures near and 8 naked nymphs in the distance sitting by the water, small full-length figures
Walpole Society reference (1960):
Measurements (Van der Doort):
3ft 6in x 5ft 9in (106.7 x 175.3cm)
Medium:
panel
Frame:
whited carved and gilded frame
Provenance:
Mantua piece
Notes:
another of the aforesaid like long fellow piece (ie matching no 9)
Location:
Original Manuscript page number:
MS. Ash. 1514, f. 24
Other inventories:
Mantua 1627, no. 965 (25 scudi, 150 lire)
Identification certainty:
Identified
Sale Inventory c.1649-51