The King's Staircase: Hampton Court Palace

The King s apartments were built for William III at the end of the 17th century by Sir Christopher Wren. The King s Staircase was painted by Antonio Verrio. The composition is an allegory that glorifies William III as Alexander the Great. The wrought iron balustrade was designed by the French smith, Jean Tijou. The King s Staircase is probably the most elaborate example of Antonio Verrio s work. In the scheme for the staircase Verrio showed William III in triumphal mode, dominating a group of Roman emperors who represent the King s Catholic enemies, as well as a banquet of the Gods denoting the peace and plenty William had brought. it is based on the Satire of the Caesars written in 361 by Julian the Apostate. The Satire tells of the triumph of Alexander over the Caesars which is a reference to William s triumph over the Stuart king, James II, who was deposed in 1688. 47071837 N02 has added The King s Staircase Hampton Court Palace at 2012 08 09 12 51 23 and tagged as hampton court palace

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