The Venus Room
Sala di Venere
In Medici times this room functioned as a waiting room for the general public, before they were permitted to see the grand duke. This is the first of a series of rooms dedicated to the planets and painted by Pietro da Cortona from 1641-1642.
The frescoes depict the young prince, Ferdinando II, pulled from the arms of Venus by Minerva to be handed over to Hercules, a figure sacred to the Medici. The eight lunettes represent classical figures that celebrate the virtuous comportment of illustrious men in the presence of beautiful women.
The four stucco medallions represent illustrious figures from the Medici family.
The frescoes depict the young prince, Ferdinando II, pulled from the arms of Venus by Minerva to be handed over to Hercules, a figure sacred to the Medici. The eight lunettes represent classical figures that celebrate the virtuous comportment of illustrious men in the presence of beautiful women.
The four stucco medallions represent illustrious figures from the Medici family.