The collection of Fabio Fani: Carracci, Luti, Garzi, sharks’ teeth and the ‘nail of the Great Beast’

Abstract This article examines the collection of neglected nobleman Fabio Fani, based on evidence his inventory drawn up in 1730. Housed Roman palace facing Piazza Borghese, Fabio’s consisted more than 400 paintings, including works by notable artists. Prominent among them were two unusually monumental cycles Benedetto Luti and Luigi Garzi, which now can be reconstructed partly identified with paintings public private collections. In Fani’s there was also a cabinet curiosities featuring naturalia, artificialia objects from distant lands, as well rooms books variety subjects kept. A study display art residence its dialogue space palace, furthers our understanding collecting early modern Rome.