In Marore, near Parma, Ennemond-Alexandre Petitot (1727-1801), from 1753 architect of the ducal buildings and teacher at the Academy of Fine Arts of Parma, chose his residence “in villa.” The house, still existing and inhabited, miraculously preserves an almost intact small theater, certainly designed by the architect, whose figurative taste can be found in the surviving decorations. Located in the attic, in a rectangular room of modest size, it has a stage framed by two pillars while the backdrop is divided into three parts by four wooden Doric columns painted with faux marble that laterally frame beautiful monochromes with statues of Apollo and Minerva. These monochromes are painted on two panels that, when removed, open the view to a landscape with a cityscape (painted on the back wall). A frieze with putti completes the top part of the scene. Particularly interesting and of high pictorial quality is the ceiling where a velarium is simulated around which putti, garlands, and festoons intertwine. The room, furnished with the original wooden benches and small buffet cabinets, is illuminated by three windows, two of which overlook the garden partially laid out as a labyrinth following the ancient design.
Information about Petitot Villa Theater
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43121 Parma (Parma)
Source: MIBACT
