Gregorio Guglielmi, The Prosperity of the Monarchia Austriaca, the central ceiling fresco in the Great Gallery at Schönbrunn

Gregorio Guglielmi, The Prosperity of the Monarchia Austriaca, the central ceiling fresco in the Great Gallery at Schönbrunn

At the centre are the enthroned figures of the imperial couple, Maria Theresa and Franz Stephan, surrounded by personifications of the monarchical virtues such as Prudence, Fortitude and Justice. Portrayed as allegorical groups with their associated heraldic symbols, the Crown Lands pay homage to the ruling couple. At the margins, representing the earthly sphere, are genre-like scenes depicting the occupations that were the source of the Lands’ prosperity.