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About This Work
The central panel depicts Galatea steering a shell-chariot through a group of marine deities, while the adjacent fresco shows the giant Cyclops Polyphemus watching from a rocky shore. Above these wall paintings, the ceiling contains a complex series of mythological figures representing the stars and planets. The scene is framed by ornate pilasters and decorative lunettes depicting further episodes from classical mythology.
The ceiling of this room functions as a precise astrological map, depicting the natal horoscope of the patron, Agostino Chigi. It serves as a visual manifestation of Renaissance Neoplatonism, which sought to harmonize classical myth with the belief that celestial bodies influence human destiny.