Jupiter and Minerva separating the Elements

Giovanni Coli, Filippo Gherardi, Jupiter and Minerva separating the Elements, c. 1664, oil on canvas, private Venetian collection

Sala dell'aurora

Palazzo Vendramin Grimani, 2022

Trained in Tuscany and later in Rome, they came to Venice together around 1662 and were involved in the project begun in 1641 to decorate the library of the Benedictine monastery of San Giorgio Maggiore, for which they produced a large number of works.

The canvas on display here is therefore only a preparatory sketch by the two artists, the result of which can still be seen today in the library designed by Baldassarre Longhena on the Island of San Giorgio Maggiore in Venice.