Masterpieces by Marot and Fabri
The Grand Staircase is the beating heart of Paleis Het Loo. For more than three centuries, it has been an artwork that captivates every visitor. The exhibition brings the monumental painting to life and reveals the connection between the Dutch court and world cultures.
The wall painting is a continuous composition that spans both walls and ceilings. Covering over 550 m², it is the second‑largest painting in the Netherlands.
The painting is the work of leading artists of their time. Daniel Marot, the renowned architect and designer at the court of King‑Stadholder William III, laid the foundation for this monumental work. His creative vision shaped the composition into a worldly, international scene. When Louis Napoleon became the formal owner of Paleis Het Loo, the walls were covered with plaster. After the plaster began to detach, parts of the original mural resurfaced. A century later, Queen Wilhelmina ordered the plaster to be removed. The original composition was then repainted—this time on canvas—by the artist Willem Fabri.
New Insights
Recent research into the creation of the mural shows that William III used the staircase as a visual statement, much like his rival Louis XIV did at Versailles. The Ottoman figures, who appear to welcome visitors from the staircase, were part of William’s political message in which he positioned himself as a mediator between Europe and the Ottoman Empire.
A Meeting of Cultures
The story of the Grand Staircase touches on themes that remain relevant today: diplomacy, cultural exchange and power relations. The exhibition encourages dialogue with the Turkish‑Dutch community and highlights the historical relationship between the Dutch Republic and the Ottoman Empire from multiple perspectives.
A Layered History
The exhibition coincides with the restoration of the mural. Visitors can learn more about the restoration itself, the renewed techniques, and the artwork’s layered history. The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to follow the restoration process up close and to explore the stories, symbolism and international influences embedded in the mural. With art objects from Versailles, the Royal Collections and the Rijksmuseum, the Grand Staircase is presented in a rich international context.
