The loggia of David links the noble apartments, the courtyard of honour and the garden. It is one of the largest rooms in the palazzo and a place from which one could admire the garden, once luxuriant with plants and flowers, and the fisheries. It typifies the Renaissance concept of life in a villa, made up of pleasant past times and rest from the responsibilities of government.

The liveliness of space created by the architecture and decoration is striking. Three large arches resting on groups of four columns face the garden, while one arch resting on square pillars faces the courtyard of honour. Also impressive is the abundance of decoration derived from classical examples. The entablature and intrados of the arches also boast a wealth of decorative detail.

The decoration of the loggia underwent a series of complications that continued until the nineteenth century. Its comprehensive documentation tells us that busts of military leaders were initially to be placed there. Indeed it is also mentioned as the “Captains’ loggia”.

The current name derives from the stucco and fresco decoration in the two lunettes at either end, the lunettes on the west side and the coffers of the barrel vault.

The scenes relating to the story of David were completed between 1531 and 1534.

The main character therefore is the Biblical hero David, praised for his qualities as a military leader and warrior (David and Goliath, David fighting a bear, the coronation of David…) but also for his poetic and musical talent (David playing the cithara). The octagons in the vault are dedicated to the story, portrayed in three scenes, of  David and Bathsheba: seeing Bathsheba as she is bathing, the king falls in love with her and, not wanting to share her with her husband, he sends him to his death.

As in the chamber of  Amor and Psyche, there are strong references to the personal life of the patron. Federico II Gonzaga, in love with the also married Isabella Boschetti, organized a plot to murder her husband, Francesco di Calvisano.

The whole cycle can therefore be interpreted as a sort of legitimization, in view of the Biblical precedent, of the adultery and murder committed by the prince.

The loggia remained incomplete for a long time as can be seen from drawings with empty panels and alcoves. It was to take considerable time to finally complete it.
Most of the statues of the Virtues in the alcoves were executed in the seventeenth century. The work was finally completed in 1805 with the addition of another five statues, largely inspired by Ripa’s Iconography.

Created by Giovanni Bellavite between 1808 and 1809 are the imitation bronze bas-reliefs above the alcoves and doors, also based on the main theme of the Stories of David.

Lato Ovest/West side	Lato Nord/North side
Volta/Vault	Lato Sud/South side