Emperor Hadrian
2023 © Maxim Tabachnik
Grotesque Ceiling DecorationChrist Carrying His CrossSaint Michael the ArchangelGrotesque Fantasy with BeastsEmperor HadrianArchangel MichaelApollo and DaphneAngel with the SudariumPsyche Awakens CupidThe Battle of ZamaThe Abduction of EuropaPerseus Beheads the Sea MonsterPsyche and the Old WomanMausoleum of HadrianPanoramic View from Castel Sant’AngeloChrist in LimboThe Miracle of the AngelThe BathMythological Ceiling with Stucco ReliefLamentation over the Dead ChristTritons and Naiads in CombatMarine Deity with CornucopiaSt. Michael the ArchangelCeiling of the Sala PaolinaLeda and the SwanFestina LenteAquatic Satire with TurtlesBaboons with FruitView Toward the Altare della Patria from Castel Sant’AngeloArchangel Michael in BattlePerseus Slays the Sea MonsterPan and a NymphPerseus Approaches AndromedaSt. Michael and Grotesque MotifsRooftop Catapult and AmmunitionMarine Deities and Serpentine CreaturesThe Virgin and Blessing Child EnthronedMarine Procession of Tritons and NereidsMax at Castel Sant’Angelo TerraceCupid and PsycheNaumachia in the Belvedere CourtyardSea Procession with Tritons and NereidsEmbracing TritonsAllegory with ChimeraTritons and Sea CreaturesThe Miracle of the Angel

Emperor HadrianAttributed to Girolamo Siciolante da Sermoneta

848
This 16th c. fresco from the Sala Paolina depicts Emperor Hadrian in idealized Roman military attire. Portrayed with commanding calm, Hadrian stands framed by classical architecture and winged putti, symbolizing both earthly rule and divine favor. The work affirms his legacy as builder, humanist, and guardian of imperial order—within the very mausoleum he commissioned.