Pelagio Palagi's monumental frieze once again on view at Racconigi Castle

At Racconigi Castle, Pelagio Palagi ’s monumental plaster frieze depicting The Triumph of Consul Lucius Paulus Aemilius over King Perseus returns to public view. The work, a masterpiece of Italian sculpture from the Neoclassical period, has been restored and displayed thanks to Fondazione CRT, the main private supporter of the Savoy residence, with the collaboration of theFriends of the Royal Castle of Racconigi Association.

In the setup, the frieze was placed suspended on the corridor wall in a long exhibition machine of about 40 meters formed by several display cases.

The frieze, consisting of 34 slabs and designed by Pelagio Palagi on the models of Antonio Canova, was made around 1840 by Genoese sculptor Giuseppe Gaggini, who was engaged in redecorating the Savoy residences. It depicts a procession of 150 human figures, horses, oxen and chariots carrying the rich spoils of war: the theme alludes to the ruler’s good governance, culture and possible military victories.

The display cases for the exhibit were made in OTTART’s Venetian workshops, using pre-treated steel sheet metal so as to avoid corrosion phenomena within them.

“The display of the frieze, and before that its recovery, are just the latest step in a long journey that has seen Fondazione CRT committed to the conservation and enhancement of Racconigi Castle. In more than 15 years we have invested more than 6.5 million euros to return the beauty and identity of the ancient Savoy residence to the community. Even in the last period of well-known difficulties, which have impacted the Castle’s growth and image, there have been private entities, such as Fondazione CRT and Fondazione CRC, that have continued to believe in and invest in the Savoy residence to foster the revitalization it deserves,” commented Fondazione CRT President Giovanni Quaglia.

The recovery and installation of the frieze was made possible thanks to the contribution of Fondazione CRC. The new display will be presented on Saturday, October 19, at 11 a.m. in the Salone d’Ercole of Racconigi Castle.

Pelagio Palagi's monumental frieze once again on view at Racconigi Castle

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