Ceiling Execution Chamber (Supplemental)

This ceiling painting shows the personification of Mercury, the symbol of commerce. The woman also holds two of the attributes of Diligence: a whip and a swarm of bees. Two putti fly alongside her, protected by the skirts of this double personification.

Additional information:
Diligence often has spurs on her feet; she is accompanied by bees and has a whip to encourage greater efforts. Bees were regarded as hard-working creatures. This double symbolism, commerce and diligence, underlines the idea that trade and hard work bring prosperity and well-being.