Tracing a Raffaellesque Fresco: Lectures at the Museo Napoleonico

Tracing a Raffaellesque Fresco: Lectures at the Museo Napoleonico

The Museo Napoleonico in Rome hosts a series of lectures focused on recent research into collecting practices and figurative production tied to the Napoleonic era. Presentations highlight discoveries and hypotheses that shed light on works once deemed lost and on ceremonial artifacts from the period.

• Where: Museo Napoleonico, Piazza di Ponte Umberto I, 1 – Rome
• When (first lecture): 27/03/2026, 16:30
• Price: Free
• Organisers: Roma Capitale – Assessorato alla Cultura; Sovrintendenza Capitolina ai Beni Culturali; logistical support by Zètema Progetto Cultura

News for Cardinal Fesch’s Collection: Tracing a Raffaellesque Fresco

On Friday 27 March at 16:30, art historian Claudia Bertling Biaggini will present her recent findings on Cardinal Joseph Fesch (1763–1839), whose holdings were among the most important art collections in early 19th-century Rome. The talk will discuss the hypothesis that a mural depicting a pair of deities, including Neptune, may originate from the so-called "Stufetta Bibbiena" in the Apostolic Palace—a space frescoed by Raphael and his workshop.

The Coronation Throne of Napoleon as King of Italy: Between Milan and Rome

The second lecture, curated by Marina Rosa (Thursday 14 May, 16:30), examines the architectural and sculptural apparatus created for Napoleon's coronation as King of Italy (Milan Cathedral, 26 May 1805). The presentation will illustrate the recent recovery of wooden sculptural elements from the throne found among Quirinale holdings, offering fresh insights into Napoleon's ceremonial ties with Italy.

Both events are intended for audiences interested in art history and museum collections. Admission is free. For details on attendance and access, contact the Museo Napoleonico or the event organisers.