This fine interior, designed by Leo von Klenze as part of the Imperial Picture Gallery, is devoted to the history of ancient painting based on descriptions by writers of Classical Antiquity. The eighty panels were painted in encaustic on copper plates by the German artist Georg Hiltensperger. He used subjects from ancient mythology and ancient written sources. The vaults are adorned with bas-relief portraits of celebrated European artists including Leo von Klenze. The room contains a large collection of sculptures by Antonio Canova, the leading figure of the Classical School in Italy, and his followers. Another notable feature of the room are malachite vases produced by Russian craftsmen.