A painter of superbly composed and crafted religious and other narrative, a key figure in art education, who enjoyed the support of Queen Victoria.
narrative
Popular comedy about a man who marries and shrew and sets about trying to tame her. Frequently painted.
After the death of his patron in 1716 he remained rich, successful, and for the next century his paintings were rated more highly than those of Rembrandt.
His fortunes changed in 1696 with a visit from the Elector Palatine, who became his patron, and six years later made him his court painter.
The popular story of the Judgement of Solomon is a great challenge for visual art. Here are some of the better attempts at solution, from Raphael to Blake.
A vast canvas with an apocalyptic vision of death and destruction? It must be one of John Martin’s, then. Another distinctive British narrative painter.
A comedy involving two couples, both tricked in different ways. One bride faints in church when accused of infidelity. The other couple didn’t know they loved one another until deceived.
Maternal love, Oedipus and the Sphinx, and a naked courtesan unveiled before a court of men, all demonstrate how important is gaze.
One of the greatest British narrative painters of the 19th century, a small selection of his best from Eris picking a golden apple in 1806 to the slaveship of 1840.
A Roman hero, intended to be consul, is banished because he wouldn’t get on with common people. When he can defeat Rome, who can stop him?
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