Mars and Mythology in the Painted Hall

The Month of March

The month of March, named after Mars (the Roman God of War and Agriculture), marks the start of both the planting season and the traditional time for military campaigns. In ancient times, well-planned food supplies were crucial for armies, hence the saying “an army marches on its stomach”, commonly attributed to Napoleon Bonaparte. Mars also rules over people born under the zodiac sign Aries, represented by the ram.

Mars's Family

You can also spot the parents of Mars, Jupiter and Juno (Zeus and Hera in Greek mythology), in the west end of the Lower Hall ceiling. Jupiter, shown above Galileo Galilei, with a billowing red cloth behind him, symbolises fire. To his right is his son, Vulcan (Hephaestus), the blacksmith of the gods, with his wife Venus (Aphrodite). Vulcan forges the armour that Mars wears in battle.

On the northwest side Mars’s mother Juno is dressed in blue, symbolising the element of air. While she is primarily the goddess of marriage and childbirth, Juno was also protector of the state and often depicted as a warlike figure.

Coat of Arms: Mars and Minerva

At the top of the archway leading to the Upper Hall, you’ll find the coat of arms of King William III. On either side are Mars and Minerva, representing the joint monarchs William and Mary. King William III was seen as a hero leading the fight against France to secure peace and liberty across Europe, hence his depiction as Mars, God of War.

Minerva, the Goddess of Wisdom and War, symbolizes Mary. The motto “As much by wisdom as by war,” adopted by the Royal Naval College, was inspired by Minerva’s qualities.

Galileo Galilei

Astronomer Galileo Galilei was the first person to look at Mars through a telescope, in 1610. You can find a painting of him in the southwest corner of the Lower Hall ceiling, pictured looking through a telescope. He is part of a larger scene celebrating knowledge, scientific discoveries and advances in understanding the natural world, including celestial bodies like the planets and stars.

Painted Hall Talks

Join one of our expert guides for a 30-minute talk, unravelling the rich history of Thornhill’s masterpiece, and discover more about the fascinating characters on the ceiling.

What do the paintings mean?

Meet Sir James Thornhill’s cast of around 200 figures in the Painted Hall virtual tour where you’ll learn stories of political change, scientific and cultural achievements, naval endeavours and commercial enterprise all set against a series of magnificent backdrops.