Ceiling decorations

A whole catalogue of exemplary deeds from all periods in history are illustrated in the ceiling decorations including heroes of classical Greece and Rome, biblical kings and generals, figures from Christian kingdoms. They all present princely and civic virtues and vices and are intended to serve as an example to the beholder.

Marcus Curtius sacrificing himself for the good of the state

Marcus Curtius Poisonous gases rising out of a chasm appearing in the Forum Romanum spread the plague in Rome. An oracle states that Rome has to sacrifice the most precious thing it possesses in order to close the chasm and so prevent more deaths. Marcus Curtius interprets this to be courage and strength and therefore sacrifices himself by jumping into the chasm.

Mucius Scaevola as a legendary steadfast Roman hero

Mucius Scaevola The Roman Gaius Mucius has volunteered to assassinate the Etruscan king Porsena. The assassination attempt goes wrong and Mucius is captured. Demonstrating his courage in the face of death, he thrusts his right hand into a blazing altar fire and holds it there until it is consumed. Deeply impressed by so much pertinacity, the king orders Mucius to be freed and makes peace with the Romans. Mucius is given the name Scaevola, meaning left-handed.

Timoclea of Thebes

Timoclea Courage and fearlessness are the virtues of the young Theban, Timoclea, who has been violated by one of Alexander the Great's soldiers. After the soldier asks her for concealed treasures, Timoclea cleverly leads him to a well and pushes him in. Alexander admires her for her courage and lets her go free.

Jael killing the enemy of her people

Jael and Sisera Oppressed by the Canaanites for years, Deborah, a prophetess of Israel, rouses the Israeli tribes against the oppressors and orders General Barak to call together all Jews. Barak only accepts on condition that Deborah enters into the battle herself. Disappointed by his lack of courage, she prophesies that the final victory will go to a woman. A storm comes to the help of the Israelites during the battle and they are able to claim victory over their opponents. The Canaanite general Sisera has to flee into a camp of the enemy and is taken in by Jael. As he falls asleep exhausted, Jael drives a tent peg through his temple. She then presents the dead enemy to Barak and becomes a heroine of Israel.

Kambyses flaying a corrupt judge

Kambyses The Persian tyrant Kambyses, is said to have ordered the flaying of the corrupt judge Sisamnes and to have his skin stretched over the judge's seat. Shortly afterwards the son of the culprit was appointed to be judge in place of his dead father and had to dispense justice from this very seat in order to be constantly reminded of his father's guilt.