The Banqueting House Ceiling Temperance Triumphant over Intemperance

This female figure, modestly dressed in a blue robe and headcloth, represents the virtue of Temperance. At the time the ceiling was painted temperance meant voluntary self-restraint from all vices. She treads on the naked, sprawling and disorderly body of Intemperance or Vice. In reality James I was indiscrete when it came to some of his worldly pleasures.

Temperance holds a horse’s reins, bit and bridle in her hands, used to exert control. Intemperance has a snarling grey dog which represents discord.