To commemorate the 500th anniversary of Andrea Mantegna’s death, The Triumphs of Caesar, often regarded as the artist’s finest works, have been re-presented at Hampton Court Palace with the ambition of improving visitor access to and appreciation of these wonderfully lavish artworks, both intellectually and visually.
Considered to be some of the most important Italian Renaissance paintings in the world, The Triumphs of Caesar were described as ‘the best thing Mantegna ever painted’ by Giorgio Vasari in the 16th century, and their status as masterpieces has remained unchallenged ever since. The series of nine paintings, probably commissioned by Francesco Gonzaga in about 1485, depict Julius Caesar on a triumphal chariot returning from his successful campaigns, in a procession of Roman soldiers, standard-bearers, musicians and the spoils of war including an assortment of booty (including arms, intricate sculpture and gold vases), exotic animals and captives. Mantegna found inspiration for the scenes he created in written accounts of Caesar’s celebratory processions through Rome as well as surviving Roman antiquities.
The canvases were acquired by Charles I in 1629 when his agent Daniel Nys travelled to Italy and purchased works of art, including paintings by Titian, Raphael and Caravaggio as well as The Triumphs of Caesar. Soon after their addition to the Royal Collection they were brought to Hampton Court Palace, which has remained their permanent home ever since.
A triumphant presentation…
Improving physical visitor access to the masterpieces is a central focus of the re-presentation. Historically, access to the Triumphs has been only via the south gardens leaving the paintings largely undiscovered except by the most dedicated of visitors. A new route into the Lower Orangery now brings visitors from Base Court, a central palace courtyard, almost immediately into the gallery that houses Mantegna’s works.
A new introductory space just before the gallery helps to transform the visitor’s appreciation and understanding of the Triumphs through a short film where leading historians, artists and cultural commentators will explain why the Triumphs are important and how we should look at them today.
The Lower Orangery gallery itself benefits from a greatly improved lighting scheme that not only enhances the paintings visually, but also the atmosphere in which they are experienced. Wooden benches with audio interpretation telling the story of the paintings, of Julius Caesar and of Mantegna allow visitors to view, enjoy and reflect on the works in comfort, alongside six ancient busts, including one of the Empress Faustina owned by Mantegna himself, and which he used as inspiration when he painted the Triumphs.
Finally, as they depart the gallery, visitors are encouraged to explore the story of art further at Hampton Court Palace, in particular the Tudor paintings celebrating Henry VIII’s own ‘triumphs’ such as The Battle of the Spurs.
Historic Royal Palaces curator Brett Dolman said. “The Triumphs of Caesar are probably the most important paintings at Hampton Court Palace. They are revolutionary works of art, executed by a painter at the top of his game, full of invention, passion, noise, theatre and story. They have also had an unfortunate and troubled history of unsuccessful restoration and re-presentation. Following the 500th anniversary of Mantegna’s death, we owe it to the Triumphs to bring an end to these misadventures, and celebrate their importance by helping visitors read the paintings with a more accessible piece of interpretation and a more accessible gallery. This is the first step towards fulfilling Historic Royal Palace’s broader ambition of telling the story of art at Hampton Court Palace in an accessible and interesting way.”
