Reverence to Elector Johann Wilhelm von der Pfalz – Design for a Ceiling Painting for Bensberg Castle

Around 1706, the Elector appointed the ‘travelling painter’ so sought after in Europe to the Court in Düsseldorf. Bellucci developed a complex programme for the decorations of Düsseldorf City Castle and the hunting lodge in Bensberg, highlighting the patronage of the Elector and his consort and alluding to the political power structure of the day. In the central section of the composition, the young noble is shown along the stages of his career, accompanied by various cardinal virtues and personifications: on the left the symbol for the free arts (with a small monkey) and for intellect (with the mirror), Reason takes the young noble by the hand. On the right, Virtue awaits him, Truth (with the book), Military Courage and Justice (with her scales), while Hercules dispels the vices with his club. In the panels surrounding the central image we see below the Free Arts and Eloquence (with the dog), on the right the chained old man as the victory over Time (Eternity), above Education and Knowledge as well as on the left Rulership presented over Fickleness. (Bettina Baumgärtel)