"Gods and Goddesses disporting themselves as Gods and Goddesses are wont to do..."

This is how Antonio Verrio's masterpiece - The Heaven Room - is described in a 19th century guide book. As you look around this extraordinary room you are immediately transported into the world of Classical Mythology. The loves and excesses of the Gods of Mount Olympus are laid bare for all to see. Although only painted in two dimensions onto the flat surfaces of the walls, the optical illusions created by foreshortening, perspective and masterly handling is entirely convincing, transforming the drama into three dimensions, filled with movement.

You then descend into Hell. Verrio's last commission at Burghley was to paint the ceiling over the lofty staircase. The mouth of Hades or Hell is depicted as an enormous gaping mouth of a cat with souls in torment writhing within. Death, the Grim Reaper, plies his sickle amongst the unfortunates and terrible punishments are meted out to all.