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Photo Mug : Chiswick House, Red Velvet Room ceiling J970259
Home Decor from Historic England
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
Photo Mug (11 oz)
Introducing the Media Storehouse Photo Mug, featuring an exquisite image of Chiswick House's Red Velvet Room ceiling. Captured by renowned photographer Jeremy Young for Historic England, this mug showcases the intricate beauty of this London landmark. Admire the stunning painted panels attributed to William Kent with every sip. Our high-quality mugs are perfect for adding a personal touch to your daily routine or as a thoughtful gift for history and art enthusiasts. Embrace the elegance of Chiswick House with our Photo Mug.
A personalized photo mug blends sentimentality with functionality, making an ideal gift for cherished loved ones, close friends, or valued colleagues. Preview may show both sides of the same mug.
Elevate your coffee or tea experience with our premium white ceramic mug. Its wide, comfortable handle makes drinking easy, and you can rely on it to be both microwave and dishwasher safe. Sold in single units, preview may show both sides of the same mug so you can see how the picture wraps around.
Mug Size is 9.5cm high x 8cm diameter (3.7" x 3.1")
These are individually made so all sizes are approximate
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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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