Page 85 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Italian Riviera

LE STR ADE NUOVE  83

Andrea Doria
This portrait of Andrea Doria (1466–1560), painted by Bronzino after
1540, and now in Palazzo Doria Pamphilj, is fitting: posing, despite
his advanced years, in a heroic attitude, semi-nude, as the god of
the sea, Neptune. Two fundamental themes in his life are concentrated
in this work: the sea and the arts. A member of one of the most
powerful families in Genoa, he did not, however, have an easy life.
He made a successful career through warfare: initially serving the
pope, then the king of France and, finally, emperor Charles V. A
soldier and admiral of huge talent, he was one of the few to defeat
feared pirates operating in the Mediterranean, to such an extent that
he gained the deep respect of the Genoese, who declared him lord
of the city in 1528. From this position of power he established an
aristocratic constitution which lasted until 1798. He spent many
years in his palazzo, which was built with the help of some of the
Andrea Doria as Neptune by Bronzino great artists of the Renaissance.

complete. The principal artist has a ceiling fresco by del Vaga centuries to make way for
was Perin del Vaga (c.1501–47), showing Giants struck by Jove a section of railway line
a pupil of Raphael summoned (1531). Fine tapestries and several road junctions.
to Genoa by Andrea Doria. depicting the Battle of Damage during World War II
A marble entrance by Silvio Lepanto, in the galleria, did not help, and there is
Cosini gives way to an atrium, were made in Brussels now a project to return
decorated with frescoes (1529) in 1591 to a design by the garden to its 16th-
by Perin del Vaga, showing Luca Cambiaso. century appearance.
Stories of the kings of Rome and As well as bringing The garden’s two main
Military Triumphs. On the upper new life to the landmarks are the
floor, between the public rooms, palazzo’s decoration, Fontana del Tritone
the Loggia degli Eroi has a restora tion work has Detail from the Fontana by Montorsoli (a pupil
stuccoed ceiling by del Vaga also made it possible del Tritone of Michelangelo)
and Luzio Romano. Along the for the public to visit and the Fontana di
internal wall, frescoes by del the private apartments of Nettuno by Taddeo Carlone –
Vaga depict 12 ancestors of the Andrea Doria and his wife. both made in the 16th century.
Doria family. Following lengthy Around the palazzo, from the The nearby Stazione
restoration work in the loggia, water’s edge to Monte Granarolo Marittima, a 1930s departure
the splendour of the frescoes’ to the rear, there was an point for transatlantic liners,
original colours has been greatly enchant ing garden, much was created out of the Doria’s
revived. The Salone dei Giganti altered in the 19th and 20th private quay.

The beautifully restored frescoes by Perin del Vaga in the Loggia degli Eroi

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