ROSSELLI, Matteo
(b. 1578, Firenze, d. 1650, Firenze)

Wall decoration

1622-23
Fresco
Villa Poggio Imperiale, Arcetri, Florence

Of all the Medici villas in the environs of Florence, Poggio Imperiale has the most imposing site and is also closest to the Palazzo Pitti, which became the official residence of the grand dukes in 1561. The property came into the possession of Cosimo I de' Medici in 1565. From 1618 Maria Magdalena of Austria, the wife of Cosimo II de' Medici invested a great sum on improvements made under the direction of Giulio Parigi. In 1624 the property was officially named Poggio Imperiale with reference to the grand duchess's imperial lineage. The lineage was also featured in the ambitious pictorial program of the public rooms and bedrooms which lay on the ground floor. The leading artist was Matteo Rosselli, a native Florentine known as an outstanding painter in fresco.

The picture shows part of the wall decor in the antechamber of Maria Magdalena of Austria.