Wall Hanging

Between the columns of a pavillion stands the demigod Hercules, scantily clad in a lion's skin with a club in one hand. The classical hero is surrounded by imaginary decorative motifs. This wall hanging was designed by the Italian artist Perino del Vaga in the first half of the sixteenth century; it was made in Brussels. The carpet is one of a series with gods among GrotesquesGrotesquesThe word grotesque comes from the Italian 'grotteschi', meaning cave paintings. Around 1500 excavations in Italy uncovered villas from the Roman period. The subterranean rooms of these buildings were decorated with animals, fantasy creatures, columns and vases interconnected playfully with vines and festoons. These decorations were called 'grotteschi', because they were found underground. Artists drew inspiration from the Roman designs. All kinds of variations were devised and spread throughout Europe in ornamental prints. Grotesques formed the basis for most decorative motifs in the 16th century and remained popular until well into the 19th century.. The wall hangings decorated the walls of the Palazzo Doria Pamphili, the palace of Admiral Andrea Doria in Genoa. He was given the palace in 1528 by the city of Genoa as a reward for successfully defending the city.