A Room with a View

IMG_3679

In this instance the view is on the ceiling and best viewed while lying on the floor. In the drawing room at Beaulieu, County Louth, the compartmental plasterwork ceiling climaxes in an oval central panel filled with painted canvas. Attributed to 18th century Dutch artist Willem van der Hagen, the trompe-l’œil scene extends upwards through a classical arcade and into the open air whence Icarus can be seen taking a tumble after flying too close to the sun. Hovering putti seem remarkably indifferent to the poor fellow’s fate.

2 comments on “A Room with a View

  1. Tim says:

    Slightly evocative of the ceiling at the Grand Opera House, Belfast, where cherubim and other ethereal figures gaze down at the patrons!

  2. Yes, but in the Grand Opera House one doesn’t have to lie on ffhe floor to appreciate properly the effect!

Leave a Reply