Polyhymnia

As an architect, sculptor in stucco, and above all fresco painter and draftsman, Bergamasco introduced state-of-the-art Roman style to the prosperous and culturally ambitious families of mid-century Genoa. The decoration of the Palazzo Pallavicino (now Careggi-Cataldi) includes one of his most sophisticated and best preserved ensembles. The vault of the loggia on its main floor is decorated with a scene of Apollo surrounded by four ovals with the Muses making music. This is the preparatory study for one of the four, lacking an instrument but with an open book indicating song.