Multiple Sketch for the Banqueting House Ceiling
Peter Paul Rubens, 1629–1630

Rubens was commissioned by James I to create an allegorical painted ceiling for the new Banqueting House at Whitehall. The ceiling was designed to celebrate the peaceful union of Scotland and England following the death of Elizabeth I. This work is Rubens's preliminary sketch for seven of the nine eventual compartments of the ceiling. In the centre, the apotheosis of James I is shown set in an oval. At the two shorter sides are processions of children, infant Bacchants and cherubs with chariots, animals, a festoon, and a cornucopia of fruit. At the longer sides, in ovals, are Hercules and Minerva, and personifications of Abundance and Temperance, triumphing over personifications of vices. This work was acquired after a public campaign where donations could be made through a special Art Fund website. This work was acquired with assistance from the Wolfson Foundation.
More information
Title of artwork, date
Multiple Sketch for the Banqueting House Ceiling, 1629–1630
Date supported
2008
Medium and material
Oil on wooden board
Dimensions
94.7 x 63 cm
Grant
600000
Total cost
5700000
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