Acquired by Philip V for the Royal Palace of La Granja de San Idelfonso, where it appeared in a 1727 inventory, Carnival in Rome, 1653, is one of the best known paintings by Flemish artist Jan Miel. In fact, it may well be his most recognised depiction of Carnival, a popular feastcomprising dances, masquerades and pantagruelian gatherings, the excesses at which were intended to prepare believers f