First Chapel of the Pantheon Basilica in Rome “The Virtuosi of the Pantheon”

St Joseph with Christ The first chapel in the Pantheon was the chapel of the “Virtuosi of the Pantheon” congregation, which included among its members the most influential artists working in Rome: painters, sculptors and architects.

This Virtuosi chapel was dedicated to Saint Joseph of the Holy Land.

The central sculpture of the chapel represents Saint Joseph and the infant Jesus.

Vincenzo de Rossi was a pupil of Michelangelo.

Several Vincenzo de Rossi sculptures are in Florence in the Hall of the Five Hundred at the Palazzo Vecchio.

The “Saint Joseph with Christ” by Vincenzo de Rossi is a stunning sculpture, powerful with much presence, where you can see all the paternal attention of Saint Joseph for his son.

Vincenzo de Rossi “Saint Joseph with Christ”

Sculpture - Marble, 1550-1560

St Joseph with Christ

On each side of the sculpture of “Saint Joseph with Christ”, and the same wall, are presented two paintings by Francesco Cozza, who was Domenichino's pupil.

On the left, you can see the “Adoration of the Shepherds” by Francesco Cozza.

Francesco Cozza (1605-1682) “Adoration of the Shepherds”

Painting - Oil on Canvas, 1660

Francesco Cozza Paintings in the First Chapel of the Pantheon in Rome, Italy

First Chapel of Pantheon

Francesco Cozza, Adoration of the Shepherds, First Chapel of the Pantheon in Rome, Italy

Adoration of Shepherds

And to the right of the statue of Vincenzo Rossi is the “Adoration of the Magi” by Francesco Cozza.

Francesco Cozza (1605-1682) “Adoration of the Magi”

Painting - Oil on Canvas, 1660

Adoration of the Magi

On the two side walls of the chapel are two stucco relieves.

Carlo Monaldi and Paolo Benaglia, Stucco relieves, First Chapel of the Pantheon in Rome, Italy

Monaldi and Benaglia, Stucco relieves, First Chapel The first represents the resting of the Madonna, Joseph and the Child Jesus after their escape to Egypt; it was made by Carlo Monaldi (1690-1760).

Carlo Monaldi was a member of the Virtuosi Congregation of the Pantheon.

The other relief is by Paolo Benaglia (who died in 1739) and represents the dream of Saint Joseph.

Paolo Benaglia is also known for carrying out the first project for the famous Trevi Fountain in Rome.

But the project was then withdrawn from him and given to Nicola Salvi by Pope Clement XII after Salvi won the competition to build the fountain.

However, Paolo Benaglia created the two allegorical figures of Fame that support and frame, at the top of the fountain, the papal coat of arms of Clement XII Corsini.

Carlo Monaldi (1690-1760) “Rest after escaping Egypt”

Relief - Stucco

Carlo Monaldi, Rest after escaping Egypt, First Chapel of the Pantheon in Rome, Italy

Rest escaping Egypt

Paolo Benaglia (died in 1739) “Saint Joseph's Dream”

Relief - Stucco 1728

Saint Joseph's Dream