St Michael & All Angels Church, Great Witley (The Ascension)

This painting is on the ceiling of the Church and may be viewed from below by a mirror, although this image was taken without using the mirror! The artist was the Italian Antonio Bellucci (1654-1726) and the painting is oil on canvas. It is one of several which had been commissioned by the Duke of Chandos for his Chapel in Cannons Palace (near Edgeware, Middlesex); they were purchased for Great Witley Church by the 2nd Lord Foley in 1747 following the Duke's loss of fortune.

Other paintings in the collection are of The Nativity, and Descent from the Cross, and ten smaller paintings of groups of cherubs, and there are other small paintings in the lunettes above the windows.

(Information provided by Rosemary Lockie)