The frescoes and sculptures, seven decades later

The frescoes are signed – Illouscheg – and dated 1725, implying these are the earliest preserved frescoes by Franc Jelovšek known to us. Seven decades since seven fragments of the illusionist Baroque wall paintings were rescued from the heavily damaged mansion, the frescoes are now thoroughly restored and ready for public presentation together with the four heads of the same provenance sculpted by Angelo Putti.

The recent explorations encouraged by preparations for the present exhibition and the accompanying publication have managed to outline an image of the former Zalog Mansion. In this context, the previously almost unknown artworks kept in the City Museum’s collection have been put on display and new information has been provided by both the current owners and descendants of the former owners. With the help of computer imaging, a very conclusive image of the mansion has been created which is all the more valuable because nothing remains of it today.

Let this exhibition record and remind of its existence, and at the same time call attention to other castles in Slovenia which might also end up merely as a few preserved fragments in museum collections.

Ranging among the most beautiful secular Baroque total works of art in Slovenia

At first sight, the lavishly painted reception hall with its hunting scenes, idyllic romantic landscapes and, last but not least, the phrase “Hic procvl a cvris" (This is far from the cares) on the ribbon tied around the eagle’s neck might be saying that this was the place where the Strassoldos had found their peace and that they were enjoying all the comfort provided by Zalog Mansion as their country residence. Another interpretation involves a more religious turn. The eagle accompanied by the sun and the phrase “Hic procvl a cvris” (a verse taken from a poem written by Pope Urban VIII) implies that a soul turned to God has achieved complete peace.