Duke Carl Eugen as the ruler of Württemberg.
The central ceiling painting in the White Hall was painted by Nicolas Guibal in 1768. Duke Carl Eugen, who commissioned it, had specific ideas about the contents of the image: He wanted to see himself depicted as a successful ruler whose deeds protected the land from evil and promoted peace and prosperity. The reality, however, was somewhat different, because Carl Eugen not only waged wars, but also had an extravagant lifestyle that was primarily self-interested.
Through the ceiling painting, the White Hall seems to open itself to the sky. In the center of the image, the two virtues of Gentleness and Wisdom flank the ducal coronet. War, identifiable by his armor, is tamed by Peace. The gods Bacchus and Ceres have vine leaves and fruits in their hands. They stand for viticulture and farming. The god Apollo, surrounded by Sculpture, Architecture, and Music, symbolizes culture. The viewer's conclusion: Farming and culture are only possible in times of peace.
The ceiling painting in the White Hall depicts the welfare of Württemberg under Duke Carl Eugen.
Decorations along the ceiling.
Between the ceiling painting and the stucco trim are two differently designed wall areas: a zone with oval windows, and above it, a channel. Trophies of war can be seen on the window frames. Garlands of flowers and small figures made of stucco, also designed by Nicolas Guibal, connect the windows. In the channels, architectural elements alternate with stucco elements and paintings of the sky.
The monogram of the duke in the White Hall.
The ducal coat of arms of Württemberg and the ducal coronet are placed above the north entrance door. As a counterpart, Duke Carl Eugen's monogram is located above the south entrance door, through which the rulers typically entered the palace.
