Die Erhebung des Großen Kurfürsten in den Olymp (van Loo)

The Elevation of the Great Elector into Olympus by Charles-Amédée-Philippe van Loo. Ceiling painting (destroyed in World War II), oil on canvas, 1751, Marble Hall, City Palace, Potsdam. A color photo is online here.

The Marble Hall of the City Palace at Potsdam. It was destroyed by bombing in 1945.

Ceiling painting

(All color photographs below taken by Peter Cürlis in 1944)

Details

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  Borne up by Chronos and Victoria, the Great Elector is crowned by Minerva.
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  The Great Elector
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  Fama
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  A putto bears helmet and sword of the Great Elector.
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  Two figures, Abundantia pouring fruits from a cornucopia and a putto strewing coins, are part of a trio symbolizing abundance.
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  The third figure in the trio symbolizing abundance receives the fruits from the cornucopia while kneeling beside the Brandenburg coat of arms held by the Prussian eagle, part of the allegory of Good Governance.
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  Beneath the Great Elector are Allegories of Good Governance, Clemency, Justice and Prudence
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  Also beneath the Great Elector: Allegories of Steadfastness, Poesy and Piety
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  Mercury, guide of souls in the afterlife, here represents divine inspiration.
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  The Apples of the Hesperides in hand, Hercules symbolizes fortitude.