Search "" as a keyword...
Filter suggestionsContinue typing to see suggestions...
Other Frescoes

Other Frescoes

The betrothal of Frederick III and Eleanor of Portugal

after 1853

Albumen print | RCIN 853773

A photograph reproducing the fresco 'The betrothal of Emperor Frederick III and Eleanor of Portugal' painted by Pinturicchio and his workshop (1502-07/08) in the Piccolomini Library in Siena Cathedral. Oval blindstamp in top right corner. Annotated in pencil on the verso. Not in Ruland (1876).

The decoration of the Piccolomini library was commissioned by Cardinal Francesco Todeschino Piccolomini (later Pope Pius III) in 1502 from Raphael's older Perugian contemporary Pinturicchio. The frescoes illustrate events in the life of Pope Pius II (Enea Silvio Piccolomini), the Cardinal's uncle. Vasari credited Raphael with executing 'some drawings and some cartoons' for the library at the express request of Pinturicchio. Scholarly opinion has been divided over the attribution of preparatory drawings for the frescoes, but at least five drawings convincingly related to the decorative scheme are considered to be by Raphael (see Bibliographic References).
  • Added to the Prince Consort's Raphael Collection (after 1876)