Room 8 - Hall of Diana

The Hall of Diana, designed next to the Library, was recognisable by its bluish shades of colour, reminiscent of the coeval production of Josiah Wedgwood’s manufactory.

The room, entirely dedicated to the goddess of hunting and the related myth, shows a continuity with the stucco decorations that emerged from the discovery of the Baths of Baia and other antiquities.

It was designed by the Florentine architect Domenico Chelli, author of the frescoes in the adjoining Library and teacher at the Royal Institute of Fine Arts, as well as set designer at the San Carlo Theatre, probably in collaboration with Carlo Brunelli.

The colours of the room were enhanced by the light gold of the curtains contrasting with the chairs and tables upholstered in green leather. Usually, there was a mahogany ladder used for taking books from the adjoining Library.

The vault shows Diana bathing with the Nymphs, while the other scenes depict episodes related to her myth, such as: Diana and Pan, Diana and Juno, Diana and Apollo, Diana the huntress, Apollo and Daphne, Scene of sacrifice to Diana.

Behind the Hall of Diana, a staircase led to the Belvedere, marked by eight military trophies.