Horse and groom with hunting dogs, from the Camera degli Sposi or Camera Picta (detail) 1474

Andrea Mantegna painted this section of the Camera degli Sposi, or bridal chamber, around 1465-1474, with fresco technique, at a time when courtly life was performative. This image offers a glimpse into the world of the Gonzaga family, as seen in their palace in Mantua. The opulence of the Renaissance is reflected in the detailed depiction of the figures, animals and landscape. Here, the hierarchy of the court is palpable. The groom's dark skin and modest attire signal his position relative to the richly dressed figure next to him. Even the hunting dogs at their feet reflect the power dynamics of the space. The idealized landscape, with its classical ruins, serves as a backdrop for the everyday life of the aristocracy. Mantegna creates a space that is both intimate and grand, suggesting the complex interplay between personal identity and public role.