Plasterwork
Category
Architecture / Features & Decoration
Date
circa 1560 - circa 1600
Materials
Lime Plaster
Measurements
2.72 x 3.70 x 1.93 m
Order this imageCollection
Little Moreton Hall, Cheshire
NT 282462
Summary
Plasterwork rendering of Fortune on west wall of Long Gallery. On the triangular tympanum of the east and west walls of the panelled long gallery are two painted plaster reliefs showing the allegorical figures of the Spear of Destiny and the Wheel of Fortune. The figures are taken from the frontispiece of The Castle of Knowledge of 1556, by Robert Recorde. In both cases the female figures stand centrally against a background of vinescroll decoration, flanked by identifying texts in two strapwork panels. On the west wall the blindfolded figure of Fortune stands on a globe and holds a rod in one hand with which she turns the wheel suspended above her, and the text reads THE WHEELE OF FORTUNE WHOSE RULER IS IGNORANCE. It is presumed that the plaster decoration is contemporary with the construction of the Long Gallery.
Marks and inscriptions
Left hand side of triangle: The Wheele of Fortvne Right hand side of triangle: Whoe Rvle is Ignoravnce Apex of triangle: Qui Modo Scandit Corruet Statim