Art in London

Bringing up the Guns is a 1917 painting by Harold Septimus Power depicting a scene from World War I. The artwork captures the deployment of artillery, specifically QF 18-pounder guns, as part of the horse artillery units. It is associated with the First Battle of Passchendaele, highlighting the challenging conditions faced by soldiers during this conflict.

The Battle of Trafalgar is a historical painting by François Musin depicting the decisive naval battle of 1805 between the British Royal Navy and the combined French and Spanish fleets. The artwork captures the intense action of the battle, showcasing the strategic maneuvers and dramatic moments of the conflict.

This painting by Marie-Philippe Coupin de la Couperie depicts Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine and her daughter Rosamund Clifford. The scene likely portrays a historical moment involving the complex relationship between the two women, with hints of intrigue and drama reflected in their expressions and the surrounding elements. The artwork is an example of historical painting, capturing a significant moment from medieval English history.

Suicide of Lucretia is a historical painting by Johann Zoffany, depicting the tragic suicide of Lucretia, a Roman noblewoman. The artwork captures the intense emotional turmoil and dramatic moment of her demise, reflecting the themes of honor, shame, and moral conflict. Created in 1759, it is an example of 18th-century European historical painting.

Ophelia is an 1851–52 painting by British artist Sir John Everett Millais in the collection of Tate Britain, London. It depicts Ophelia, a character from William Shakespeare's play Hamlet, singing before she drowns in a river.

The painting depicts William Brydon, an assistant surgeon in the Bengal Army, arriving at the gates of Jalalabad in January 1842. It portrays the desolate aftermath of the 1842 retreat from Kabul, with the walls of Jalalabad looming over a barren plain and riders from the garrison galloping to reach Brydon, who brings the first news of the fate of the "Army of Afghanistan." The work captures the grim reality of military defeat and the resilience of individuals amidst chaos.

This painting depicts a scene from the 16th century, illustrating Frans Floris I's journey to a Saint Luke's Day feast. The artwork captures the historical and cultural context of the time, showcasing the customs and social gatherings associated with this religious celebration.

This painting depicts Fernando Álvarez de Toledo, 3rd Duke of Alba, wearing his iconic body armor, showcasing his imposing presence as a military leader. The scene is set in the Netherlands, highlighting the historical context of his role during the 16th century. The artwork captures the grandeur and authority of the Duke, reflecting the style of the 19th-century painter Louis Gallait.

This painting depicts Emperor Charles V of the Holy Roman Empire at the Monastery of San Jerónimo de Yuste, where he spent his final years in retirement. The work captures the historical moment of the emperor's presence at the site, reflecting his legacy and the significance of the monastery in Spanish history.

This large canvas painting depicts the historic Battle of Gravelines, a significant naval engagement during the Spanish Armada's invasion of England in 1588. It also features Queen Elizabeth I at Tilbury, where she famously addressed her troops, emphasizing her resolve to defend the realm. The work, once attributed to the renowned miniature painter Nicholas Hilliard, is now considered a pastiche, likely created by an anonymous history painter. The composition combines dramatic scenes of battle with the symbolic presence of the queen, capturing the tension and heroism of the era.

This painting depicts Admiral Sir John Duckworth's historic naval maneuver of forcing a passage through the Dardanelles in 1807. The scene captures the intense action of a naval battle, showcasing the strategic importance of the strait during the Napoleonic Wars. The artwork by Philip James de Loutherbourg vividly portrays the chaos and determination of the British fleet as they navigate the narrow waters.

This painting by Thomas Davidson depicts the burial at sea of Admiral Francis Drake, a renowned English naval figure. The scene captures the solemnity of the event, with Drake's ship in the background and figures gathered around the body, reflecting the historical significance of the occasion.

This painting depicts the moment when Marc Antony reads the will of Caesar, a pivotal scene from the Roman Republic's history. The artwork captures the emotional intensity of the moment, with Marc Antony's expression conveying a mix of shock and determination. William Hilton's work is a historical painting that brings to life the dramatic events following Caesar's assassination.

This painting depicts Artemisia II of Caria, a historical figure known for her role in the Mausoleum of Maussollos. Created by Erasmus Quellinus II in 1652, it is a historical painting that showcases the grandeur of ancient Carian history. The artwork is currently housed at the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery in London.

Boadicea Haranguing the Britons is a 1793 history painting by the British artist John Opie. It depicts the Boudica the queen of the Ancient British Iceni tribe who led an ultimately unsuccessful uprising against the Roman Empire during the first century. She is portrayed in a white robe and red cloak, a bright figure in a dark composition. Her two daughters shelter behind her for protection as she rallies her supporters. Her poised aristocratic manner contrasts to the depiction of her as a battlefield warrior in Henry Courtney Selous's 1840 painting of the same title.

This painting depicts the British battleship HMS Iron Duke, flagship of Admiral Jellicoe, during the Battle of Jutland in World War I. It showcases the ship amidst the 2nd Battle Squadron, capturing the intense naval engagement that took place in the North Sea.

This painting by Peter Paul Rubens depicts the historic reconciliation between King Henry III of France and Henry of Navarre, who later became Henry IV. The scene captures the moment of their meeting, highlighting the political and religious tensions of the time. Rubens' dynamic composition and rich details convey the significance of this event in French history.

A View of Walton Bridge is a 1754 landscape painting by the Italian artist Canaletto depicting the construction of a new bridge at Walton, Surrey on the Thames southwest of London, now known as Old Walton Bridge. The painting captures the scene of the bridge's construction, showcasing the architectural and engineering efforts of the time.

This painting by Antonio Canaletto depicts a detailed view of London, showcasing the city's architecture and atmosphere during the early 18th century. It is an example of the artist's renowned veduta style, capturing the grandeur of the cityscape with precision and artistic flair.

The Chivalric Vow of the Ladies and the Peacock is a historical painting by Daniel Maclise, created in 1835. The artwork depicts a scene from medieval literature, illustrating the ceremonial vow of knighthood. It features a peacock, symbolizing nobility and virtue, alongside ladies and knights at a banquet, highlighting themes of chivalry and honor.

This painting depicts Hammersmith Bridge in London, capturing the architectural details of the bridge and its surroundings. Created by Daniel Turner in 1828, it is an example of architectural painting that highlights the engineering and design of the structure.

The Execution of Charles I of England is a historical painting by Gonzales Coques depicting the execution of King Charles I of England. Created in 1650, the artwork captures the dramatic moment of the king's execution during the English Civil War, highlighting the political and historical significance of the event.

This painting depicts Pope Urban VI, a 14th-century pope known for his controversial papacy. Created by John Collier in 1896, it is a historical painting that captures the figure of the pope in a dramatic and symbolic manner.

Death of Miss Gardiner is a historical painting by Maria Cosway, depicting the moment of death of a young woman, likely inspired by the real-life death of Miss Gardiner, a British aristocrat. The painting captures the emotional intensity of the scene with a focus on the subject's expression and the surrounding atmosphere, reflecting the neoclassical style popular during the late 18th century.

This painting depicts a dramatic battle scene, showcasing Philips Wouwerman's skill in capturing the chaos and intensity of combat. The artwork is part of the Royal Albert Hall's collection, highlighting its historical and artistic significance.

This painting by Canaletto, created in 1770, depicts a detailed view of Whitehall and the New Horse Guards in London. It showcases the architectural grandeur of the area during the 18th century, capturing the bustling urban landscape of the time. The work is part of the Government Art Collection, highlighting its historical and cultural significance.

Jacques-Émile Blanche's 1923 painting captures the grandeur of the Crystal Palace, a iconic structure from the Great Exhibition of 1851. The artwork showcases the architectural details of the vast iron and glass building, highlighting its neogothic design and intricate iron framework.

This painting by Canaletto, created in the 18th century, depicts the Monument in Gracechurch Street, London. It is an example of his renowned vedute, capturing the grandeur of London's architecture and urban landscape. The work is housed in the Guildhall Art Gallery, showcasing Canaletto's skill in rendering detailed cityscapes.

A Dream of the Past: Sir Isumbras at the Ford (1857) is a painting by John Everett Millais depicting a medieval knight helping two young peasant children over a swollen river. The children are carrying heavy burdens of wood for winter fuel. Though the title refers to the medieval poem Sir Isumbras, the painting does not illustrate a scene from the original text. However Millais's friend, the writer Tom Taylor, wrote verse in a pastiche of the original poem, describing the event depicted. This was included in the original exhibition catalogue when it appeared at the Royal Academy Exhibition of 1857 at the National Gallery.

This painting by J. M. W. Turner depicts a serene landscape featuring a river and a bay in the distance. The scene captures the tranquil beauty of nature with soft light and atmospheric effects characteristic of Turner's style.

Mr and Mrs Andrews is an oil on canvas portrait of about 1750 by Thomas Gainsborough, now in the National Gallery, London. Today it is one of his most famous works, but it remained in the family of the sitters until 1960 and was very little known before it appeared in an exhibition in Ipswich in 1927, after which it was regularly requested for other exhibitions in Britain and abroad, and praised by critics for its charm and freshness. By the post-war years its iconic status was established, and it was one of four paintings chosen to represent British art in an exhibition in Paris celebrating the Coronation of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953. Soon the painting began to receive hostile scrutiny as a paradigm of the paternalist and capitalist society of 18th-century England, but it remains a firm popular favourite.

The Destruction of Pompeii and Herculaneum is a large 1822 painting by English artist John Martin depicting the eruption of Mount Vesuvius in 79 AD. It follows the pattern set by his previous successful painting, Belshazzar's Feast, which was another depiction of a dramatic scene from history delivered from an esoteric point of view. The work appeared to be lost from the Tate Gallery storerooms soon after it was damaged by the 1928 Thames flood. However, it was rediscovered in 1973 and subsequently restored in 2011.

Statesmen of World War I is an oil on canvas painting by Sir James Guthrie, completed in 1930, shortly before Guthrie's death. It was commissioned by South African financier Sir Abraham Bailey, 1st Baronet to commemorate the politicians and statesmen of Britain and its Dominions who held office during the First World War. It was donated to the National Portrait Gallery in 1930, shortly after it was completed.

Calling the Roll After An Engagement, Crimea, better known as The Roll Call, is an 1874 oil-on-canvas painting by Elizabeth Thompson, Lady Butler. It became one of the most celebrated British paintings of the 19th century.

The Signing of Peace in the Hall of Mirrors, Versailles, 28 June 1919 is an oil-on-canvas painting by Irish artist William Orpen, completed in 1919. It was one of the paintings commissioned from Orpen to commemorate the Peace Conference at Versailles in 1919. The work is held by the Imperial War Museum in London.

God Speed is a painting by British artist Edmund Leighton, depicting an armored knight departing to war and leaving his beloved. The painting was exhibited at the Royal Academy of Arts in 1900. God Speed was the first of several paintings by Leighton during the 1900s on the subject of chivalry, including The Accolade (1901) and The Dedication (1908).

Camille Pissarro's "Kew Greens" depicts a serene landscape of Kew Gardens in London. The painting captures the lush greenery and tranquil atmosphere of the gardens, showcasing Pissarro's skill in capturing natural light and foliage.

This 1904 painting by Claude Monet captures the Houses of Parliament in London during a moment of sunlight breaking through fog. The artwork, housed at the Musée d'Orsay, is a notable example of Monet's Impressionist style, focusing on the interplay of light and atmosphere.

This painting by André Derain captures the iconic Pont de Charing Cross in London, showcasing the city's architectural and urban landscape. The artwork blends modernist techniques with vibrant colors, highlighting the bridge's role as a key structure over the River Thames.

Variations in Violet and Green is a 1871 painting by James Abbott McNeill Whistler. The artwork is a seascape that showcases Whistler's mastery of color and composition, featuring a tranquil sea with soft, blended hues of violet and green. It is part of the Royal Scottish Academy's collection.

Lawrence Alma-Tadema's painting depicts the meeting of Mark Antony and Cleopatra, two prominent figures from ancient history. The scene is set in a grand, opulent environment with rich details that reflect the cultural and historical context of their time. The artwork captures the dramatic and romantic tension between the two characters, with Cleopatra portrayed in a regal and seductive manner, while Antony is depicted in military attire. The painting is notable for its intricate details and the use of symbolism, such as the diadem and other royal regalia, which emphasize the power and status of the characters.

This painting depicts a historical scene from the Napoleonic Wars, specifically the crossing of the River Berizina by Russian forces in 1812. It showcases the dramatic and challenging nature of the event, with soldiers and horses struggling against the icy waters. The artwork captures the tension and perseverance of the soldiers during this pivotal moment in military history.

This painting by Richard Paton depicts the historic Battle of Dogger Bank, which took place on August 5, 1781. The scene captures the naval engagement between British and French forces during the American Revolutionary War, showcasing the dramatic chaos and strategic maneuvers of the battle.

This painting depicts Captain Arthur Blake, a British military officer, in a formal portrait by Joshua Reynolds. The subject is dressed in his uniform, featuring a helmet, sash, and shoulder belt, suggesting his rank and status. The background includes a tree, possibly symbolizing strength or a specific location associated with Blake. Created in 1769, the work is an example of Reynolds' portraiture style, capturing both the individual's dignity and the military context.

This painting by Joseph Mallord William Turner depicts an expansive landscape featuring a river or estuary surrounded by rolling hills and a distant mountain. The scene is rendered in Turner's characteristic style, with dramatic use of light and atmospheric effects to create a sense of movement and depth.

This painting by J. M. W. Turner depicts a dramatic landscape featuring a ruined castle perched on a cliff. The composition is characterized by Turner's signature use of light and atmospheric effects, creating a sense of both awe and melancholy. The scene appears to be set in a stormy coastal area, with turbulent skies and crashing waves adding to the emotional intensity of the work.

This historical painting by Benjamin West depicts the moment when Leonidas II, King of Sparta, orders Cleombrotus II into banishment. The scene is set against the backdrop of ancient Sparta, capturing the tension and gravity of the royal decree. The artwork is notable for its detailed portrayal of the Spartan court and the emotional expressions of the figures involved.

The Death of Chatterton is an oil painting on canvas by the English Pre-Raphaelite painter Henry Wallis (1830–1916). It depicts the death of the 18th-century poet Thomas Chatterton, who died by suicide after poisoning himself. The painting is currently housed at Tate Britain in London. Two smaller versions of the work are held by the Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery and the Yale Center for British Art.