Journey of Ulysses

In ancient mythology, Ulysses embodies the hero of countless virtues, who, through intelligence and determination, undertakes a long sea voyage full of dangers and challenges, ultimately returning home. This is the subject depicted by Giovanni Battista Castello, known as Il Bergamasco, in the frescoes of the Hall of Honor at Villa delle Peschiere, among the most exquisite examples of 16th-century Genoese painting. The ceiling panels depict the gods and Ulysses at various moments in his story, surrounded by precious decorations, all still visible today. This tour focuses on the historical context of the Stories of Odysseus within the Villa, examining the mythological theme in relation to the celebration of the Pallavicino family and investigating the use of art as a means of legitimizing aristocratic prestige.

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