Musei Civici di Arte Antica
Comune di Ferrara

The Arengo Hall is considered a masterpiece of 20th Century decoration.
It was frescoed between 1934 and 1938 by Achille Funi with the cooperation of Felicita Frai.

The hall aims to offer a true mythical and legendary glorification of Ferrara.

Thus, upon entry, the left wall is dedicated to Saint George about to pierce the dragon and to free the princess.
On the facing wall, Funi represented the myth of Phaeton, falling from the Sun cart striken by Jupiter, as well as the tragic love between Ugo d’Este and Parisina Malatesta.

The wall on the right, in contrast, exhibits some scenes drawn from Ariosto’s Jerusalem Delivered and Orland Furioso.

Near the hall corners are the statuesque and powerful figures of Hercules, Mars, Mercury and Apollo. Finally, on the ceiling, the allegorical representations of the months of the year and the signs of the zodiac contribute to emphasise the beauty of this interior.











Image credits:

The Arengo Hall, Sant George, by Achille Funi
photo: Gallery of Modern and Contemporary Art of Ferrara