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Framed Print : Chiswick House, Red Velvet Room ceiling J970259
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Chiswick House, Red Velvet Room ceiling J970259
CHISWICK HOUSE, London. Interior. View of the ceiling in the Red Velvet Room.
The ceiling is inset with painted panels attributed to William Kent and has usually been interpreted as an allegory of the Arts. The panels around the edge, for example, incorporate musical instruments, portrait roundels of gods and goddesses (Jupiter, Venus, Saturn, Mars, Diana and Apollo) and their appropriate Zodiac signs. In the central panel the messenger god Mercury hovers above a stone arch, below which is a group of figures with further emblems of the visual arts: Architecture is represented by a bare-chested woman with a set square and a cherub with a plan of a Roman temple, Sculpture by a fallen bust of Inigo Jones, and Painting by a woman unveiling a self-portrait of Kent.
The radical alternative interpretation of this symbolism is that it alludes to the ritual of the Royal Arch masonic lodge. Red is the Royal Arch colour, so the red velvet on the walls is symbolic, as is the red drape which is being removed to reveal Kents portrait in the ceiling. The traditional implements of the architect and sculptor, depicted in the ceiling, are likewise masonic emblems, while the combination of an arch below a rainbow which occurs in the ceiling painting was apparently a common subject of early Royal Arch lodge banners. The suggestion, therefore, is that this room could have been designed by Burlington and Kent - both of whom were certainly freemasons - to function as a masonic meeting place
Historic England is the public body that champions and protects England's historic places
Media ID 1900287
© Jeremy Young
Ceiling Decorative Georgian Painting
18"x14" Modern Frame
Bring the historic beauty of Chiswick House into your home with our exquisite Framed Prints featuring the Red Velvet Room ceiling by Jeremy Young from Historic England. This stunning image captures the intricate detail and vibrant colors of the inset painted panels, attributed to William Kent. Each print is expertly framed to preserve and enhance the artwork, making it a truly elegant addition to any decor. Transport yourself to the grandeur of 18th century England with this timeless piece.
16x12 Print in an MDF Wooden Frame with 180 gsm Satin Finish Paper. Glazed using shatter proof thin plexiglass. Frame thickness is 1 inch and depth 0.75 inch. Fluted cardboard backing held with clips. Supplied ready to hang with sawtooth hanger and rubber bumpers. Spot clean with a damp cloth. Packaged foam wrapped in a card.
Contemporary Framed and Mounted Prints - Professionally Made and Ready to Hang
Estimated Image Size (if not cropped) is 35.6cm x 40.6cm (14" x 16")
Estimated Product Size is 35.6cm x 45.7cm (14" x 18")
These are individually made so all sizes are approximate
Artwork printed orientated as per the preview above, with portrait (vertical) orientation to match the source image.
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This stunning photograph showcases the intricately painted ceiling of the Red Velvet Room at Chiswick House in London. The ceiling, attributed to William Kent, is a visual feast for the eyes, with each panel telling a story of its own. Traditionally, this ceiling has been interpreted as an allegory of the Arts, with musical instruments, portrait roundels of gods and goddesses, and their corresponding Zodiac signs adorning the edges. In the central panel, Mercury, the messenger god, hovers above a stone arch, surrounded by figures representing Architecture, Sculpture, and Painting. Architecture is depicted as a bare-chested woman holding a set square and a cherub with a plan of a Roman temple. Sculpture is symbolized by a fallen bust of Inigo Jones, and Painting is represented by a woman unveiling a self-portrait of Kent. However, a radical alternative interpretation suggests that this symbolism alludes to the Royal Arch masonic lodge. The red velvet walls and the red drape being removed to reveal Kent's portrait in the ceiling are symbolic of the Royal Arch color. The traditional implements of the architect and sculptor, depicted in the ceiling, are likewise masonic emblems. Furthermore, the combination of an arch below a rainbow in the ceiling painting was a common subject of early Royal Arch lodge banners. Therefore, this room could have been designed by Burlington and Kent, both of whom were known to be freemasons, to function as a masonic meeting place. This interpretation adds an intriguing layer of meaning to the already magnificent ceiling, making it a must-see attraction for art and history enthusiasts alike.
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