Private Audience Chamber
Sala della udienza Privata
The Sala dell' Udienza Privata (Private Audience Chamber) was also frescoed by Mitelli and Colonna, who completed it in 1640, the date inscribed on the window wall. It was in this room that the Grand Duke held his private audiences without the court in attendance.
The room is full of references to Alexander the Great with whom Ferdinando II identified, since both figures were young when they came to power (Ferdinando II was only 10 when he became the fifth Grand Duke of Tuscany). Alexander the Great's achievements are depicted in framed monochrome scenes. A lively touch is provided by the figures who emerge from the architectural setting. The young man with the telescope is a clear reference to Galileo. Ferdinando was a patron, friend and ally of the great scientist.
The ceiling represents the Triumph of Alexander the Great, who receives a crown of laurel from Apollo (patron of arts and letters), while Fame flies overhead blowing a trumpet and carrying a scroll, which invites the onlooker to imitate his virtues.
The room is full of references to Alexander the Great with whom Ferdinando II identified, since both figures were young when they came to power (Ferdinando II was only 10 when he became the fifth Grand Duke of Tuscany). Alexander the Great's achievements are depicted in framed monochrome scenes. A lively touch is provided by the figures who emerge from the architectural setting. The young man with the telescope is a clear reference to Galileo. Ferdinando was a patron, friend and ally of the great scientist.
The ceiling represents the Triumph of Alexander the Great, who receives a crown of laurel from Apollo (patron of arts and letters), while Fame flies overhead blowing a trumpet and carrying a scroll, which invites the onlooker to imitate his virtues.