Why is the grand staircase being restored?

The painting on the walls surrounding the Grand Staircase was restored between 1975 and 1984. New varnish was applied to protect the painting from external influences. Unfortunately, it turns out that the varnish has adhered to the oil paint and is damaging it. The varnish is therefore to be replaced so that this unique piece of heritage remains preserved for future generations.

Good to know:

• You will not become the owner of ‘your piece’. Your donation will help to fund the restoration work on the entire Grand Staircase.

• If you make several donations, you will be mentioned once for the total amount you have given.

• Your name will be used only in relation to this project. Once it is complete, it will no longer be traceable online.

• By way of thanks, the names of donors will be listed on the site and on the board. Any offensive or inappropriate comments will be removed and blocked.

• If you would like to be kept up to date on the progress of the restoration work and the crowdfunding, subscribe to the Paleis Het Loo newsletter

The south wall

On the south wall, to the left of the doors to the Great Hall, there is a painting of a statue of the Roman goddess Diana. She was the goddess of the hunt, recognisable by the crescent moon on her forehead and her bow and arrow. Her presence refers to Paleis Het Loo’s original function as a hunting lodge. Ceres, Roman goddess of fertility, is depicted on the other side of the doors.

The staircase leads to the most important room in the palace: the Great Hall. The combined coat of arms of Willem and Mary appears above the door. All designed to make an impression on visitors who were received there.

The east and west wall

Men in ‘eastern’ attire appear on both the east and west walls. These are not portraits of real people, but generic figures from the Ottoman Empire, a large and powerful empire centred on today’s Turkey. Marot chose mythological figures for other staircase paintings he designed. This design is therefore unique in his body of work.

There are large garden vases with garlands of flowers in the corners of the painting. They refer to Willem and Mary’s love of flowers. They always had lots of fresh flowers, both outdoors and in the palace – a sign of wealth and status. There are painted flowers throughout the palace, and the staircase could not be an exception.

The east wall

The parrot on the east wall represents the exotic, the foreign, and emphasises King-Stadtholder Willem III’s international tastes. Parrots were rare in the 17th century, brought to the Netherlands from Asia and other colonies on Dutch East India Company ships. Many did not survive the long voyage. Paleis Het Loo had an aviary with living birds from distant lands.

The north wall

During the day, the painting on the north wall is difficult to see because of the light. At sunset, the medallion containing the portrait of the young Queen Wilhelmina appears. Fabri depicted her as the goddess Diana, with a crescent moon on her head.