Triumphs of Caesar

The Triumphs of Caesar are a series of paintings by the Italian Renaissance master Andrea Mantegna. The sequence of nine paintings depicts the Roman triumph (celebratory military parade) of Julius Caesar. They are currently housed at Hampton Court Palace, London as part of the Royal Collection.

They were initially painted during 1486-1505 for the Ducal Palace in Mantua, commissioned by either the Duke Ludovico II Gonzaga or, more likely, his son Francesco II. They rapidly became extremely famous throughout Europe, principally through copies in print form, of which many different versions were made, starting with a contemporary set from Mantegna's own workshop. The Gonzaga dynasty was overthrown in the late 16th century, and the major part of their painting collection was acquired by Charles I of England in 1629, using as an agent in Italy, the courtier Daniel Nys. The collection also included works by Titian, Raphael and Caravaggio. They arrived in 1630 to Hampton Court Palace, where they have been since.

The Lower Orangery was originally built to house Mary II of England's collection of botanical specimens. It was chosen as a setting for the series, since it re-creates the interior of the "Palace of San Sebastiano" in Mantua, Italy, where the paintings were hung from 1506 in a specially built gallery.

The "Triumphs of Caesar" were described as "the best thing Mantegna ever painted" by Giorgio Vasari. The series depicts Caesar on a triumphal chariot returning from his successful campaigns, in a procession of Roman soldiers, standard-bearers, musicians and the spoils of war including an assortment of booty (including arms, intricate sculpture and gold vases), exotic animals and captives. These paintings celebrate two of Julius Caesar's greatest campaigns - his victory over the Gauls and the recovery of Pontus in Asia Minor. Mantegna was inspired by written accounts of Caesar's celebratory processions through Rome as well as Roman antiquities in Duke's collection. Each canvas measures 2.66 x 2.78 m. In total they cover an area more than 70 metres square. The works were painted in tempera, using egg yolk and oil to bind the pigment.

History of preservation

After the execution of Charles I in 1649, the "Triumphs" were listed in an inventory and valued at 1,000 (pounds)- the entire Gonzaga acquisition cost 25,000 pounds. Oliver Cromwell refrained from selling these paintings, almost alone among Charles's collection, as they were so famous, and perhaps as they celebrated a general like himself rather than a monarch or Catholic religious theme. The paintings had so deteriorated that visitors in the 19th century deplored their condition. Today eight of the paintings have been restored, however the painting entitled "The Captives" remains uncleaned during the 1962-1974 restoration as no original paint lay below the surface. They are displayed in dim electric light.

Titles of canvasses

#"The Trumpeters"
#"The Triumphal Carts"
#"The Trophy Bearers"
#"The Vase Bearers"
#"The Elephants"
#"The Corselet Bearers"
#"The Captives"
#"The Musicians"
#"Julius Caesar on his Chariot"

A drawing in the Albertin Library of Vienna show a scene that Mantegna wanted to add after the "Trumpeters". It shows a procession of Senators.