Tondi painted by Jean Léon Gérôme

Type: 
Painting
Material and technique: 
inv. MR 460 a, The Good Shepherd, 1856-1858, oil on iron alloy inv. MR 460 b, Virgin with Child, 1856-1858, oil on iron alloy

The two tondi were hung in the main compartment of the “Chapel” carriage, and were therefore intended for the personal devotions of the pope during his journeys on the papal train.

Jean Léon Gérôme is also responsible for the paintings decorating the “Chapel” ceiling with: Pius IX Blessing a Port with Steam Ships, Pius IX Blessing a Railway, and Religion Enthroned Between Sts Paul and Peter, God the Father Supported by Angels. The paintings are inspired by Purismo, the 19th-century movement inspired by the masterpieces of Renaissance art.

The hall

Sala del Treno di Pio IX (già Sala Caldaie n. 2)
Room of the Train of Pius IX (formerly Boiler Room no. 2)

The environment that today is dedicated to the exposition of Pope Pius IX’s train wagons was originally a sector of the Boiler Room n. 2 of the Montemartini thermoelectric plant.