Oy architects!
Today, we'll share a bit more about the reference used for our key art background. See the differences between the real fresco and our version at the end of the news!
You often see a particular background in our communications. It's an extraordinary fresco! Since our game is located near the Mediterranean area and in Renaissance times, we naturally chose to have a look at Italian Renaissance art.
The fresco without other elements
The inspiration
The background of our key art is inspired by an existing wall, the main Hall of the Months in Palazzo Schifanoia, in Ferrara. This specific wall has been painted by one of the Ferrarese artists in the Quattrocento, and is the fresco cycle lining the Salone dei Mesi (Room of the Months).
Picture: The Hall of the Months at Palazzo Schifanoia, Archivio iGuzzini, Archello, 2020.
Our artists used these two parts of the walls for the game's fresco. The left one is called Allegory of August: Triumph of Ceres, and represents August, and the right, September, called Allegory of September.
Picture: Le Salone dei Mesi Salon des Mois du Palazzo Schifanoia, Archivio iGuzzini, 2020.
History
The palazzo
"Built in about 1385-1391 as a suburban retreat 'to escape boredom' (in Italian, 'schifar la noia', hence its name), the palazzo was later expanded under Borso d’Este (1450-1471), who shaped the building in his image, rendering it sumptuous and unique, equal to Ferrara’s high status in Europe at the time." from the Ferrara terra e acqua website.
The room
"The Hall of the Months conserves one of the most important 15th-century cycles of frescoes in Italy. It is the collective work of different Ferrarese painters from the school of Cosmè Tura, among whom were Francesco del Cossa and Ercole de’ Roberti. The high walls are divided into 12 sections, one for each month, but today only the months from March to September can be seen (to be read anticlockwise). Each month is in turn divided into three horizontal bands: in the upper one (the World of Gods) are the triumphant chariots of pagan gods, surrounded by mythological or ordinary life scenes. The world of man, upon which are inflicted the divine laws, is painted in the lower part showing the activities of the court and the townsfolk, and in which the figure of the patron, Duke Borso d’Este is portrayed, glorified as a wise and fair governor of his states. The third band is placed between men and gods and shows Western and Egyptian Zodiac signs, evidence of the great importance held by astrological “science” in the Estense court." from the Ferrara terra e acqua website.
The Frescoes
- Allegory of August: Triumph of Ceres: "The upper scene depicts the triumphal car of Ceres and agricultural scenes. In the centre the astrological symbol Virgo. Below, Duke Borso receives dignitaries, and setting out on a hunt." from the Web Gallery of Art website.
- Allegory of September: "The upper scene depicts the triumphal car of Maia, to the left Vulcan's smithy, to the right the love nest of Mars and Venus. In the centre the astrological symbol Libra. Below, grape harvest, setting out on a hunt, Duke Borso receives ambassadors. The attribution to Tura is debated, some scholars attribute it to Ercole de'Roberti." from the Web Gallery of Art website.
Allegory of August: Triumph of Ceres, and Allegory of September.next to the Great Houses of Calderia's fresco
Picture: Frescoes in the Palazzo Schifanoia at Ferrara: Allegory of August: Triumph of Ceres and Allegory of September, WGA (Web Gallery of Art),
Do you like deep diving into the references used for our game? We love to share them and our passion for Renaissance art.
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- Great Houses of Calderia Team -