Design for the ceiling of the Painted Hall, Greenwich Hospital

James Thornhill made numerous studies in preparation for his ceiling of the Painted Hall at the Royal Hospital in Greenwich, set up in 1692 as a home for retired sailors of the Royal Navy. Arguably the grandest Baroque scheme by a British artist, this design celebrated the nation’s scientific and cultural achievements. At lower centre, the figure of Architecture holds a plan of the building. At the foot, Hercules (Strength) wields a club, and Pallas (Wisdom) destroys the vices.