Page - 491 - in Jacopo Strada and Cultural Patronage at the Imperial Court - The Antique as Innovation, Volume 1

491The Neugebäude in front of the south facade of the Neugebäude. The most interesting parallel, however, is the spectacular Gran Loggia constructed at the end of this prom- enade, allowing a splendid view towards the sea and the Eternal City, on a clear day to be located by the grey bulk of the dome of St Peter’s. This Loggia was intended as an external banqueting hall: it now functions as a bar or restau- rant [Fig. 9.80]. It consists of a central bay opening unto the terrace and unto the view by one really huge central arch on either side, which is flanked by two slightly narrower bays in two levels, filled by niches. This is basically the scheme of the triumphal arch, and one of the earliest modern examples of the independent use of this motif in a permanent structure. The presence of a similar huge arch in the centre of the south facade of the Neugebäude strongly suggests that a comparable solution was envisaged for the Mittelrisalit, which then could have likewise functioned as a combined belvedere and banqueting hall ‘al fresco’. As such it has been interpreted by the makers of the modern reconstruction model [Fig. 9.81].92 9.10.2 Contemporary Roman Villas: Villa Madama Another borrowing from an important Roman villa has been generally accept- ed. Its source was the villa on the slope of the Monte Mario designed by Rapha- el for Cardinal Giulio de’ Medici, afterwards Pope Clement vii, and continued after Raphael’s death by Antonio da Sangallo the Younger. Through Alessan- dro de’ Medici, Duke of Florence, in 1537 it became the property of his widow 92 Lippmann 2006–2007 suggests a similar function, but takes as a (later) parallel the arcone in the Villa Aldobrandini in Frascati, built 1598–1604 after designs by Giacomo della Porta. Figures 9.80–9.81 Pirro Ligorio, Gran loggia of the Villa d’Este at Tivoli, functioning as a belvedere and banqueting hall, compared to the reconstruction model of the Neugebäude, detail of the central block.