The Mars Room
Sala di Marte
During the time of the Medici this was the room before the Throne Room, and it was used by the Chamberlain who introduced the nobles into the presence of the grand duke.
The ceiling, frescoed by Pietro da Cortona between 1643-1644 and in 1647 depicts the conquest of power by the young prince in battle with his enemies. At the center, the Medici shield is surmounted by the grand ducal crown.
The boldly foreshortened Hercules turns in upon himself to receive from Castor and Pollux the "gladio della vittoria" to add to his collection of arms. Then comes the figure of Peace, crowned in laurel, and leading a group of prisoners. On the opposite side the victorious young prince battles an enemy in a trireme with the help of Mars who refreshes him with the light from his star.
In this room, the stucco decoration is limited only to the cornices with four curved drums and lunettes that contain a plumed helmet, each surmounted by two putti and prisoner figures in the corners.
The ceiling, frescoed by Pietro da Cortona between 1643-1644 and in 1647 depicts the conquest of power by the young prince in battle with his enemies. At the center, the Medici shield is surmounted by the grand ducal crown.
The boldly foreshortened Hercules turns in upon himself to receive from Castor and Pollux the "gladio della vittoria" to add to his collection of arms. Then comes the figure of Peace, crowned in laurel, and leading a group of prisoners. On the opposite side the victorious young prince battles an enemy in a trireme with the help of Mars who refreshes him with the light from his star.
In this room, the stucco decoration is limited only to the cornices with four curved drums and lunettes that contain a plumed helmet, each surmounted by two putti and prisoner figures in the corners.
See also: Bandini, Fabrizio, Felice, Alberto; Il restauro dei tre soffitti delle tre sale dei pianeti a Palazzo Pitti a Firenze; OPD restauro; vol. 21 (2009), pp. 145-160.