Art of Hearst Castle

The Three Graces
Neptune
Many of the paintings collected by William Randolph Hearst feature religious or mythological scenes. This one was painted in the 17th Century by French artist Simon Vouet, and depicts the sea god, Neptune. It is installed as a ceiling painting in one of Casa Grande's south duplexes.
Two Sekhmet Figures and Two Sekhmet Heads.
These four pieces date from the New Kingdom. Sekhmet literally translates as "the powerful." Depicted with the body of a woman and the head of a lioness, she was the bloodthirsty protector of Ra, the sun god. Egyptian. Head on the left, 18th Dynasty; three others, 19th Dynasty. Granite Full figure with vein of feldspar, 5'10-1/2 x 20-1/2" (179....
Marriage Chest
Spanish, late 15th – early 16th century. The interior side is painted by an unknown artist with a scene of St. Peter meeting Christ on the road to Rome. A front panel opens to reveal drawers decorated with gilded Gothic patterns
The Constance of Scipio
Giulio Romano. (after designs by) The Continence of Scipio. Brussels, c. 1550. Tapestry. This scene shows Roman general Scipio Africanus returning a captive woman to her fiance and family.
Ceiling in Casa Del Monte
While a number of ceilings on the estate are antique, others were custom-made by craftsmen during William Randolp Hearst's era. This ceiling in Casa del Monte guest house is handpainted and decorated with 22 carat gold leaf. It features Classical design elements, but also includes a few local references: the words "San Simeon" and eucalyptes...
Tiffany & Co. "Orchid Vase" Lamp
The base of this silver lamp was created in 1889 by Tiffany & Co. as the "Orchid Vase," part of the company's award-winning display at the Paris Universal Exposition. It was purchased by William Randolph Hearst's mother, Phoebe Hearst, in 1889 and was converted to a lamp in 1891. Covered with realistic enamel orchids, the lamp was first...
Nine Muses Sarcophagus
Marble Roman 3rd Century A.D. (about 230 A.D.) Sarcophagus with nine Muses, Apollo, and Athena on front; Ulysses listening to the Sirens on sides. Nine Muses: Goddesses of creative inspiration in poetry, song and other arts; the companions of Apollo. Daughters of Jupiter. Left to Right Polyhymnia (sacred hymns) Euterpe (lyric poetry) Thalia (...
Mosaic
This third century Roman mosaic depicts a merman and sea-life. It served as the floor of the main entrance into Casa Grande.
Infant Virgin
Wellhead
Sixteenth-Century limestone bas-relief
A sixteenth-century limestone bas-relief depicting St. Paul, mounted on the entrance facade of Casa Grande.
Berdago. Harleguin Lamp.
Austrian, early 20th century. Bronze, enamel, ivory, onyx. The boldly sweepng bronze figure of this dance provides a contrasting setting for the delicately carved ivory face.