triumph of death fresco

DianaW87

I went to specifically see the freso and wasn't disapponted. It was worth trudging the wet streets, not a particularly appealing route to the museum in awful weather, just to see the fresco. There were some interesting sculptures on display but the whole museum would benefit, for tourists who don't speak Italian, from having audio guides. I would gladly pay extra for this facility, it makes a massive difference. There were some cards inEnglish but only giving the most cursory descriptions.

permia

We liked many of the works in the museum, particularly the great Triumph of Death fresco in the former chapel. The depiction of Death riding a skeletal horse surrounded by pitiful humanity is powerful. There is immense detail in the work and we spent time examining it.

stephen61

A bizarre terrifying evocation of death, similar to one found in the campo santo in Pisa. Scary and moving at the same time, a very apt painting for Palermo.Relocated to this wonderful museum designed by Carlo Scarpa.

Macman1940

This fresco ( no photos allowed) is housed in the Palazzo Abatellis which houses the regional museum of Sicily. It is the largest and most unique object in the museum.

KFriedman

The fresco itself is in good condition although some areas are damaged and faded. The striking figure of death on his horse dominates the scene, his arrows finding a diverse range of citizens. There was an English explanation card that discussed some of the details and was helpful. The view from the gallery adds another perspective, it seems clear the image was intended to be viewed from above. The rest of the museum has a lovely selection of religious and classic artwork through the ages and is worth the time to explore.

Foodielicious2

I went to see the touted Triumph of Death Fresco but walking around this museum was not enjoyable. Almost all the images were of death and sin. It was depressing to see the sheer numbers of horrible crucifictions and purgatory depicted. They don't call it the Dark Ages for nothing. There was one Flemish tryptic that had fine details that we appreciated, surrounded by all the horrors of the others.The staff followed you around.(There was NOTHING I wanted to photograph!) The man at the ticket booth overcharges you (count your euros). The bathrooms DO NOT HAVE SEATS on the toilets. Just a zero for the money.

Kiruma84

The fresco is impressive. You can appreciate it better from upstairs. Full of allegories and hidden meanings. Really worthed to see. The gallery is good in the complex. Interesting the wooden crosses.

WilsonsDublin

Small museum with more staff than tourists. Were followed everywhere. In one room there were about 6 ladies watching us. A little unnerving and unnecessary.

miriaml997

It is full of important meanings. You see the Deth riding an horse and killing the rich and saving poor people. I could stay hours on front that "fresco"

magsermayh

On the day we visited, there was a lecture going on in the room where this massive work is housed, but we could see just as well, if not better, from an upstairs gallery. And it's far from the only thing worth seeing in the museum.

PeregrinT

Even if you are not so interesting in art the Triumph of Death fresco, is not to be missed. This is a great work of art, and one of the most striking to see around. It's more than just a picture: it has it's story and clear message (think of the imminence of death in plague infested Palermo). On the other side, the fresco gives some insight on the social agenda and church propaganda, but what strikes the most is the frankness and impartiality: the death is here around, and no one is spared: even the rich and clergy are the victims, and they are struck by arrows of the creepy Skeleton figure (personification of Death). The whole art gallery is worth a visit, and has some other must-see pieces. I liked the size of the gallery as well: in the end of the visit you don't feel suffocated by the huge mass of art treasures...somehow the measure is just perfect.

MDR_11

This fresco shows how those in days gone past viewed the world…not too different from today: death comes to us all irrespective of one's social standing and wealth.From something as traumatic as the plague we are left to view a fascinating piece of history.

zebecToronto

We were here in the fall a couple of years ago and were impressed by the excecution of this collage. It is without doubt a social comment, something like, "Death awaits us all, rich and poor alike, guilty and innocent alike." *Note the two men staring at you from the painting. Rumour has it that the older one was the actual painter (name lost to history) and the younger was his protoge. The painter also seems to have depicted himself in another part of the collage, his other role there being the lute player musician tuning up. Evocative stuff. I am done. The end.

galloping_grannie

Remarkably well preserved fresco showing the story of the plague in a medieval city, with those who succumbed and those who were spared, and death riding through the centre. The horseman is said to have inspired Picasso's Guernica.

alma-pope

Outstanding social commentary from about 500 years ago.Would like to know if they are actual physical representations of the "great and good" of the day reaping their just rewards from death himself....The upper floor of the museum has an amzing picture gallery that vivdly illustrates the (then) fashionable Carravaggio style of religious imagery.