PERINO DEL VAGA
(b. 1501, Firenze, d. 1547, Roma)

The Fall of the Giants

1531-33
Fresco, 640 x 920 cm
Palazzo dei Principe, Genoa

Andrea Doria (1466-1560) was the dominant figure in Genoa in his times. He was an extraordinarily talented naval commander. Coming from an impoverished branch of an ancient local family, he succeeded in enriching himself and reestablishing Genoese independence after protracted domination by the French. His fellow citizens named him Principe (Prince) and Pater Patriae (Father of the Homeland).

Befitting his unique status in Genoa, Doria built himself a splendid seaside villa just outside the city's western gate (Villa Doria or Palazzo del Principe). He entrusted the design and the decoration of much of this complex to Perino del Vaga, one of Raphael's students. Perino was responsible for the entire decoration of the Salone dei Giganti. This splendidly decorated room is crowned by the representation of the Fall of the Giants on an enormous ceiling painting.




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