The Bedroom of Agostino Chigi is located on the first floor of the Villa Farnesina, adjacent to the banquet hall. The frescos on the Northern and Eastern walls were commissioned by Chigi in time for his marriage to his mistress, Ordeaschi. Giovanni Bazzi completed The Marriage of Alexander and Roxane and The Family of Darius Before Alexander in the years 1516–1518. Alexander Taming Bucephalus was not created until the mid- to late sixteenth century by an unknown artist. While the main function of the room was as a bedroom, as with many Renaissance bedrooms, it was also a receiving room for guests and possibly a dining room and study. Hence, the paintings there were meant for public display.

While scenes of Alexander's conquests were commonly depicted in Renaissance bedchambers since he was a symbol of benevolence, virtue, and chastity, this is one of the first known depictions of Alexander’s marriage to Roxane in this setting. This choice is most likely due to the similar relationship Alexander and Chigi had with their wives; both men chose to marry someone below their social stature. So Chigi most likely commissioned this work as a visual act of validating his new wife and previously illegitimate heirs as part of his lineage for all to see.

Bazzi's frescos follow the designs done by Raphael (1483–1520), with the exception of changing the daybed in The Marriage of Alexander and Roxane to a full-size bed. This change emphasizes the importance of the legitimacy of Chigi’s marriage (see Further Readings). Raphael made his design in reference to an ekphrasis (a detailed description of a work of art) written by Lucian, who outlined a painting by the ancient artist Aetion. Bazzi depicts this playful and erotic scene with Alexander extending his crown to Roxane, who reclines on their bed, waiting to consummate their marriage. Hymen, the god of marriage, and Hephaestion, Alexander’s close friend, as well as servants, stand by. Putti surrounds the two, prepping Roxane and playing with Alexander’s weaponry.

The Family of Darius Before Alexander, painted on the eastern wall, depicts the women and children of the defeated Darius family. Sisigambis, the mother of the ruler, mistakenly pleads with Hephaestion for their lives. Alexander is portrayed behind Hephaestion, where he gently corrects Sisigambis and tells her he will spare their lives. To the left of this, the three goddesses Venus, Ceres, and Juno are shown. This fresco is a testament to Alexander’s character, demonstrating his generosity and chivalry, characteristics that Chigi wanted guests to associate with him. 

 -AG