The Pope's Elephant

The Elephant Fountain, Villa Madama

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On December 1st 1521, Pope Leo X died. 

The Villa Madama, which lies in the outskirts of Rome, was commissioned by Leo X (r. 1513-21) and designed by Raphael (1483-1520). Its garden is home to a curious fountain, the work of Giovanni da Udine (1487-1561), which incorporates in its design the head of an elephant, a reference to Annone, the pope's pet elephant.   

Shortly after becoming pontiff, Leo X received a rather special gift from the King of Portugal, Manuel de Aviz. The gift took the form of a small Indian elephant, which was called Annone (Hanno), in memory of one of Hannibal's generals. 

Annone quickly became a great favourite, both with the pope and the people of Rome, who flocked to see it. He was taught by his keeper to do a variety of tricks, one of which was to kneel in the presence of the Holy Father. Sadly, Rome's climate did not suit Annone and he died three years later, much to the distress of the pope.

A reference to Annone can also be seen in the beautiful courtyard of the Palazzo Baldassini (Via delle Coppelle, 35). The palazzo (1514-19) was constructed by the Florentine architect Antonio da Sangallo the Younger (1484-1546) for Melchiorre Baldassini and Annone is recalled in a small bas-relief. 

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Drawing of Annone by Raphael

Courtyard of the Palazzo Baldassini

Relief of Annone (Hanno), Palazzo Baldassini