Palazzo Barberini

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Map

Palazzo Barberini

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The Palazzo Barberini houses the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica, which boasts works by Fra Filippo Lippi, Raphael, Caravaggio and Bernini. 

The Palazzo Barberini was commissioned by Pope Urban VIII (r. 1623-44) and designed by the architect Carlo Maderno (1556-1629). Maderno was assisted by Francesco Borromini (1599-1667) and work began in 1627. But when Maderno died two years later, leaving the building unfinished, Borromini was passed over and the commission went to Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680).

Oval Staircase

Borromini, however, stayed on, albeit briefly; his greatest contribution was the oval staircase in the right wing. Palazzo Barberini was completed in 1633. ​

The Triumph of Divine Providence

​In terms of art, the greatest masterpiece of the Palazzo Barberini can be seen on the ceiling of the Sala Grande (Grand Hall), which was the most important reception room in the entire palazzo thanks to its central position and its spectacular size.

The fresco of The Triumph of Divine Providence (1633-39), which celebrates the spiritual and political power of the Barberini family, is the work Pietro Berretini (1596-1669), better known as Pietro da Cortona. 

The Triumph of Divine Providence (det.)

At one end of the sky sits the personification of Divine Providence, who achieves her ends through the agency of Pope Urban VIII Barberini (r. 1623-44), while at the other end the figures of Faith, Hope and Charity hold up a wreath, in the centre of which are three golden bees. 

Triumph of Divine Providence (det.)

The coat of arms of the Barberini family comprises a triad of bees. The papal keys and tiara are held up by two female figures.  

The Barberini Bees

Bees are to be seen all over the Palazzo Barberini, both inside and out. 

In 1949 the Italian State acquired the Palazzo Barberini from the family's heirs, and in 1953 it was opened to the public as the second branch of the Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Antica, which until then had only consisted of the Galleria Corsini.

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A selection of some of the works of art:

The Annunciation by Fra Filippo Lippi

The Palazzo Barberini is home to two beautiful paintings by the Florentine artist Fra Filippo Lippi (1406-69):The Annunciation (c. 1440) and The Tarquinia Madonna (1437). 

The Tarquinia Madonna by Fra Filippo Lippi

The date of the former is uncertain, but the latter is dated 1437.

Pope Urban VIII, c. 1632, by Bernini

Pope Urban VIII, c. 1655, by Bernini & Workshop

​The two marble busts of Pope Urban VIII Barberini (r. 1623-44) are by Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598-1680), one with input from his workshop.