Two talks at the Museo Napoleonico: new findings on a Raffaellesque

Two lectures at the Museo Napoleonico on early 19th-century discoveries

The Museo Napoleonico in Rome presents two public talks aimed at scholars and the general public. Each session showcases recent findings concerning art and collecting connected to the Bonaparte period.

Program and topics

• New research on Cardinal Fesch’s collection: tracing a Raffaellesque fresco — Friday, 27 March, 4:30 PM.

  Claudia Bertling Biaggini will discuss the evidence linking a mural depicting a pair of deities with Neptune to the so-called "Stufetta Bibbiena" in the Apostolic Palace, a space frescoed by Raphael and his workshop in 1516. The talk will place the work within Cardinal Joseph Fesch’s prominent early-19th-century collection and the cultural ties between the papacy and the Napoleonic regime.

• The coronation throne of Napoleon as King of Italy (1805) between Milan and Rome — Thursday, 14 May, 4:30 PM.

  Marina Rosa will present the recent recovery of the carved wooden elements belonging to the throne used during the ceremony at Milan Cathedral on 26 May 1805, when Napoleon was crowned with the Iron Crown. Identified among Quirinale holdings, these sculptures shed new light on the ceremonial arrangements and Napoleon’s relationship with Italy.

Practical information

• Venue: Museo Napoleonico, Piazza di Ponte Umberto I, 1 — Rome
• Admission: free until capacity is reached
• Information and bookings: phone 060608 (daily 9:00–19:00)
• Useful websites: www.museonapoleonico.it – www.sovraintendenzaroma.it
• Introduced by: Marco Pupillo (Sovrintendenza Capitolina)

Both lectures aim to present archival discoveries and material evidence that reframe aspects of artistic production and ceremonial practice in Napoleonic Italy. The initiative is promoted by Rome City Council, Department of Culture, and the Sovrintendenza Capitolina ai Beni Culturali, with organizational support from Zètema Progetto Cultura.