Art and Sculpture

The Apotheosis of James I and VI

One of the famous ceiling panels shows King James being carried up to heaven on the wings of a huge eagle.

View this painting in high definition in this Gigapixel image, created in partnership with Google Arts & Culture.

Paintings of Charles I

As you ascend the grand staircase leading to the Banqueting Hall, you'll encounter two portraits of Charles I that speak to both his royal magnificence and tragic fate.

The first painting, from the Government Art Collection, depicts the King in splendid blue stockings. Not far from here, a scaffold was built on the street outside, where the unfortunate monarch faced his execution in 1649.

The second painting of Charles I hangs on the wall halfway up the main staircase. It is from the school of Sir Anthony Van Dyck and is on loan from the National Portrait Gallery.

Bronze bust of James I and VI

A bronze bust of James I and VI is positioned above the door into the Banqueting Hall. James looks very regal and is depicted wearing his crown. The bust was created by sculptor Hubert Le Suer in 1639 and was commissioned by Charles I to celebrate his father.

When Charles sat on his throne, he could see this bust facing him across the room. Le Sueur also made the statue of Charles I on horseback, which is on Whitehall near Trafalgar Square.