Tiepolo Frescoes at Palazzo Labia

 Tiepolo painted some truly awe-inspiring frescoes in this palace. The Labia family were from Spain, and they supported the Venetian war efforts as a way to enter into high society. They built this lovely palace, now owned by Italian television station RAI. A demonstrative family, they flaunted their wealth by giving large dinners and throwing the silver plates into the Grand Canal afterwards. A contemporary was reputed to have asked them how they could afford this, and a family member whispered, "nets...".

An eccentric Mexican billionaire, Carlos de Beistegui hosted the Bal Oriental, sometimes called the Ball of the Century in 1951. It launched the career of Pierre Cardin, who designed many of the outfits worn by guests. The grandeur was captured by a celebrated set of photos by Cecil Beaton.

The frescoes celebrated the relationship of Antony and Cleopatra, in modern dress. I'm pretty sure the historical Cleo did not look much like the pale figure in silken robes depicted in the lavish murals.




















The charming ceiling fresco represents Bellerophon, slayer of the chimera and rider of Pegasus.




And that's not all! There is a side room with yet another beautiful ceiling fresco by Tiepolo. The subject of this one escapes me at the moment, and Ira is taking a nap!






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