Hall of Constantine

The large wall scenes present an emperor embracing and supporting Christianity. Constantine ruled in the fourth century, long before this hall was decorated. The painted Vision of the Cross, battle, baptism and Donation of Rome belong to a later papal presentation of that imperial past. The room was intended for receptions and official ceremonies. Raphael prepared designs, but he died in 1520 before the work was complete. His workshop continued the decoration. Recent restoration has also identified two allegorical women, Comitas and Iustitia, as Raphael’s own experimental oil painting on the wall. His role and that of his assistants meet within the same room. The ceiling adds a further date to the story. Tommaso Laureti painted its Triumph of Christianity over Paganism in a programme completed in 1585, after an earlier wooden roof had been replaced. Look at the hall as a setting built up through several commissions. Its subjects ask viewers to connect Christian faith, imperial power and the papacy.