| Collection | Victorian Additional Papers |
| Description | Lake Price reports that he has just discovered in the Vatican the so-called 'Camera di Bagno di Julio II' in a suite of apartments once used by Pope Julius II; it is very elaborate, with a sculpted panel of a grotesque head flanked by dolphins and foliage, with apertures for water, in a fine cinquecento design (of which he includes a sketch). The vaulted roof and the walls are covered with rich arabesques, but the room has been neglected and the walls papered over, the sculptures chipped and the inlaid floor left in a grimy state.
It recalls the Gabinetto of Isabella d'Este in the Ducal Palace at Mantua, although very small. Price thinks the authorities might have some of the paper removed if the Prince Consort wished; they may include the room in the exhibited apartments now that attention has been drawn to it. He thinks that a cast could be made of the sculpted panel at very little cost, if the Prince wished, and two copies made from it in Rome in marble for the terrace at Osborne, with small basins under each. He doubts that the room can be photographed because of its size, but he could sketch it if desired.
It is not clear whether Raphael was responsible for the design of this bathroom. |