Assembly of the Gods, 1719-20

William Kent (1685 - 1748)

RA Collection: Art

Inspired by his European travels between 1714 and 1719, the 3rd Earl of Burlington sought to transform Burlington house on his return. Working with artist and designer William Kent and architect Colen Campbell, Burlington championed a new aesthetic for Palladian architecture and Italianate interior design in Britain.

This is one of three ceiling paintings that Kent created for Burlington House, following his return from Italy in 1719. While the exact narrative remains unclear, this assembly of the gods may represent he moment Jupiter permits Cupid to marry Psyche, heralding the marriage banquet that takes place on the ceiling in the main saloon.