The decision to paint the ceiling of the Camerino instead of proceeding with the original plans for the Alessandro Farnese cycle Farnese Gallery was taken before the summer of 1595. The frescoes glorifying their father's deeds would have to wait until the arrival of the book of drawing which Odoardo had asked Ranuccio to send him; in the meantime Annibale Carracci

Annibale Carracci

Annibale Carracci was an Italian Baroque painter.-Early career:Annibale Carracci was born in Bologna, and in all likelihood first apprenticed within his family...

 was to be given as his first task of the decoration of the cardinal's own study.

The Camerino is on the first, or principal, floor of the Palazzo Farnese, it measures slightly more than fifteen by thirty feet.

Frescoes of Camerino Farnese

• Hercules bearing the globe

  Hercules resting

  Ulysses and Circe

  Ulysses and the Sirens

  Chastity

  Intelligence

  Security

  Piety

  Perseus and Medusa

  Catanian Brothers

  Justice

  Temperance

  Fortitude

  Prudence