Allegory of Divine Providence and Barberini Power 1639

Pietro da Cortona painted this fresco on the ceiling of the Palazzo Barberini in Rome. It’s a grand spectacle of swirling figures, meant to proclaim the glory of the Barberini family. Now, consider the historical moment: Rome in the 17th century, dominated by powerful families and the papacy. The Barberini family, with Pope Urban VIII at its head, sought to solidify their status through displays of wealth and power. The Palazzo Barberini itself was a stage for such displays, and Cortona's fresco was a key part of the spectacle. Notice the bees, the heraldic symbol of the Barberini, prominently displayed throughout the composition. The fresco creates meaning through its sheer scale, its exuberant energy, and its classical and religious references. As historians, we delve into the archives, examining patronage records, family histories, and the social dynamics of the time to fully understand the claims to power being made here. This fresco isn't just a pretty picture; it's a carefully constructed statement about the Barberini's place in the world.