Aurora

1613–14

Fresco · Casino dell’Aurora Pallavicini, Rome

Painted on the ceiling of a garden pavilion built in 1612–13 for Cardinal Scipione Borghese as a summer retreat. It is still in private hands and opens to visitors on the first day of most months.

Veiled Aurora, the dawn, flies ahead scattering flowers.
Apollo drives the sun’s four-horse chariot, ringed by the Hours.
Phosphorus, the morning star, flies among the figures.
Most recently restored and unveiled in 2022.

Each morning Aurora opens the gates of heaven for the sun. For a cardinal’s summer house, the daily return of light became an image of joy and renewal.

Image: Wikimedia Commons · Public domain