The Apotheosis of Romulus
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The Apotheosis of RomulusMariano Rossi

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This radiant ceiling scene (1775–79) shows Romulus ascending to Olympus as Jupiter welcomes him with divine light. Painted by Mariano Rossi for the Borghese family, it merges myth and dynastic pride. Glorifying Rome’s founding hero, the fresco proclaims continuity between ancient virtue and aristocratic legacy.