GIAQUINTO, Corrado
(b. 1703, Molfetta, d. 1766, Napoli)

The Birth of the Sun and the Triumph of Bacchus

1762-63
Fresco
Palacio Real, Madrid

The subject of this fresco on the vault of the Hall of Columns of the Royal Palace in Madrid involves an allusion to King Charles III in the form of Apollo as a solar deity, since it represents The Sun at whose appearance all the forces of nature become joyful and animated. Apollo, who advances in his chariot through the ring of the Zodiac, is accompanied by the Hours and preceded by Aurora and the Zephyr. Lower down the seasons of the year and the elements are symbolized by Ceres, Bacchus, Venus, Vulcan, Diana, Pan and Galatea.

The stucco decoration was executed by Bartolomeo Rusca.