Floral Blooms

The delicately beautiful floral sprays which adorn the corners of the Upper Hall Ceiling are thought to be the work of Antoine Monnoyer (1670-1742). Antoine followed in the footsteps of his father the celebrated floral artist Jean-Baptiste Monnoyer (known simply as Baptiste), who was the principal flower painter to Louis XIV of France.

Sir James Thornhill employed several artists including Monnoyer and a Latvian portrait painter by the name of Dietrich Ernst Andreae, to assist him in completing the works in the Upper Hall. The vibrant blooms provide a spectacular backdrop to the arms of England (three lions), Scotland (lion rampant), Ireland (harp) and France (Fleur de Lys).