Who painted Allegory of the Starry Sky?

Allegory of the Starry Sky was painted by Giovanni Battista Fontana.

Where can I see Allegory of the Starry Sky?

Allegory of the Starry Sky is held by Ambras Castle.

Artwork

Allegory of the Starry Sky

Allegory of the Starry Sky is an unspecified painting by Giovanni Battista Fontana. It is held in the collection of the Ambras Castle.

About this work

Overview

Allegory of the Starry Sky is a painting by Giovanni Battista Fontana, an Italian artist who worked in Austria. The work is an allegorical depiction of a celestial scene, featuring a diverse array of figures and creatures.

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows a starry sky populated by humans and fantastical creatures, including horses, dogs, snakes, and a centaur. The figures are shown riding or floating among the animals, set against a deep blue background with clouds.

Technique & Style

The work is characterized by its detailed and colorful rendering, with visible textures of the animals' fur and the figures' clothing. The medium appears to be oil paint, used to achieve a high level of realism and depth.

History & Provenance

Fontana, trained in the styles of Titian and Veronese, was active in Austria from 1562 and later became court painter in Innsbruck in 1575. The painting is now held in the collection at Ambras Castle.