GIOVANNI DA UDINE
(b. 1487, Udine, d. 1564, Roma)

Venus, Ceres and Juno

1517
Fresco
Villa Farnesina, Rome

This detail from the vault of the Loggia shows Venus, Ceres and Juno. The appealing portrayals of animals and insects, as well as the rich garlands of fruit and vegetables were devised by Giovanni da Udine. These are so painstakingly observed that experts can identify the particular genus of each variety depicted. Among the novelties to be enjoyed by the Renaissance spectator were recently discovered species of corn, squash and beans from the New World.