JUVARRA, Filippo
(b. 1678, Messina, d. 1736, Madrid)

Exterior view

1718-21
Photo
Palazzo Madama, Turin

Juvarra took inspiration from Versailles for Palazzo Madama. The French court provided a political model for that of Savoy, therefore Juvarra's choice makes perfect sense in this context. Situated in front of the medieval citadel, directly opposite the royal palace, Palazzo Madama appears to be intended mainly for the purpose of conducting long files of state guests towards the ballroom in the evening: only the staircase lies behind the oversized windows onto the square , under an exaggerated barrel vault. In this space, the stairs become the stage, as in a theatre.

The picture shows the façade of Palazzo Madama.




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