A royal commission
This huge oil painting by Peter Paul Rubens adorns the ceiling of the Banqueting House and was commissioned by Charles I as testament to the glory of the Stuart monarchs.
A vast enterprise
This magnificent painting by Peter Paul Rubens remains the largest surviving work by the Flemish artist still in its original location in Europe
Disaster!
When the canvases arrived in England and were first unrolled on the floor, Inigo Jones and Rubens’ assistants realised with mounting horror that a miscalculation meant they were the wrong size to fit the ceiling spaces!
Royal residency
Banqueting House is the only remaining complete building of Whitehall Palace, the sovereign's principal residence from 1530 until 1698 when it was destroyed by fire.
Political painting
The three main canvases at Banqueting House depict the themes of the union of England and Scotland, the wise rule of the good King and the central idea of kings as gods on earth.
The largest scene is in the centre – which is more than 60 square metres in size - shows James being carried into heaven (his apotheosis) at his death in 1625.
King James is carried by an eagle belonging to the chief ancient god, Jupiter.
The King is helped by the figure of Divine Justice with her scales. Both James and Charles believed monarchs were given their authority by God alone.
Rubens displays why he was the best artist for this job, painting multiple, huge and dynamic figures, viewed from directly below. These convince the viewer that we are looking up into the heaven.
In the centre is King James I, seated on a throne in a magnificent, almost biblical, architectural setting.
The mythological gods of ancient Greece and Rome act out the benefits of his wise rule.
The king points towards two women who represent Peace embracing Plenty, who carries the fruits of peace in her horn of plenty.
Minerva, goddess of Wisdom strikes down the god of war, Mars, with her shield and thunderbolts.
This depicts James I’s greatest political success, the peaceful union between the kingdoms of England and Scotland.
In this appearance, James is enthroned within a vast Roman domed hall
The baby held up by the two female personifications of the kingdoms probably symbolises Charles I’s eldest son, the future Charles II.
Here you can see Cupid, holding his flaming torch of love.
Cupid drives a chariot pulled by a ram and wolf.
This is a Biblical reference to a peaceful union on earth.
This procession flanks the central painting of James I apotheosis.
It depicts a chariot of grapes and fruits with attendant cherubs.
The chariot is drawn by a wolf and a bear.
You are all set!
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