Spread of the Official style
A “Famous man” and his artistic and intellectual patronage.
The dominant role of the ruler found expression not only in his authority but also in the Official style, seen as a symbol of loyalty to the ruler by the wealthy and by the nobility. There are three European styles: that of the Pope, that of the French king and also that of the so-called “art of pragmatic sanction”, which spread throughout the Habsburg countries. The migration of artists and craftsmen, as well as diplomatic relationships, contributed to the modifications and quality of a diversity of motifs in many different ways, depending on the local situation.

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Villa Sora, fresco decoration of the main hall

First decade of the 17th century
Frascati, Rome, Latium, Italy
School of Giuseppe Cesari (1568, Arpino, Frosinone – 1640, Rome) known as Cavalier d'Arpino
The villa represents a prototype of the profane, celebrative decoration in which emphasis is on the moral content befitting of a noble family, and also pays homage to the absolutist rule of the dominium. This concept became an important aspect in all European residences.