Museo Bagatti Valsecchi
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ROOM 7

Labyrinth Passage

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This room derives its name from the ceiling decoration, inspired by the sixteenth century Room of the Labyrinth in the ducal palace in Mantua. On the octagonal table, a collection of small antique tools and objects of daily use is arranged, including keys, locks and cutlery. The Bagatti Valsecchi brother’s attention dedicated to applied arts objects was born of their conviction that these objects were particularly adapted to their collecting characterized by domesticity, and that, furthermore, they could offer valid models of inspiration for then-modern nineteenth century artisans.

On the ceiling

PRINCIPIUM EST PLUSQUAM DIMIDIUM SED NOSCE TE IPSUM ET CONSULE ANTE FACTUM

A good beginning is more than half the work, but know yourself, and think well before doing anything

On the ceiling:

DILIGENTIA AUGET OPUS

Diligence enhances (the value of the) work

On the ceiling:

QUOD DIFFICILIUS HOC PRAECLARIUS

That which is more difficult is more worthy of honor

(Cicero, De Officiis, I, 19)

On the ceiling:

LABOR IMPROBUS OMNIA VINCIT

Hard work wins over all

(Virgil, Georgics, I, vv.145-146)

On the ceiling:

VIRTUS IN ACTIONE CONSISTIT GLORIAMQUE PARIT

(There is) virtue in action, and it begets glory

On the ceiling:

RARA QUIDEM EST VIRTUS QUAM NON FORTUNA GUBERNET

ET EST VIRTUTIS OPUS NON AD IACTANTIAM SED

AD PATRIAE DECUS FAMAM EXTENDERE FACTIS

Virtue ungoverned by Fate is indeed rare, and

it is the job of virtue with its actions to enhance its own fame,

not for vainglory, but to honor one’s homeland

(Ovid, Tristia, V, 15, v.29) (Virgil, Aeneid, X, vv. 467-469)

On the ceiling:

SIC ITUR PER ANGUSTA AD AUGUSTA

Likewise through straits to august heights

Fausto’s Bathroom

Labyrinth Passage

Cupola Gallery