Constable, John (1776-1837) The Cornfield 1826 Oil on canvas, 143 × 122 cm National Gallery, London A boy has paused from the thirsty work of herding sheep at noon to lie flat on the bank of a pool and drink its…
Canaletto (1697-1768) Eton College c.1754 Oil on canvas, 61.6 × 107.7 cm National Gallery, London This view is from the bank of the River Thames, looking across a sprawling meadow towards Eton College on the horizon. A shady glade gives way to…
Brueghel, Jan the Elder (1568-1625) The Adoration of the Kings 1598 Bodycolour on vellum, 32.9 × 48 cm National Gallery, London Jan Brueghel seems to have squeezed a whole world into his tiny picture. A crowd waits patiently for a turn…
Bruegel, Pieter the Elder (c.1525-1569) The Adoration of the Kings 1564 Oil on oak, 112.1 × 83.9 cm National Gallery, London The Virgin sits in front of a dilapidated stable with the naked Christ Child on her knee. Three men offer…
Botticini, Francesco (1446-1498) La crocifissione (The Crucifixion) c.1471 Tempera on wood, 28.5 × 35 cm National Gallery, London Christ is shown nailed to the Cross at his crucifixion, flanked by the two thieves who were crucified alongside him. His mother, the Virgin…
Botticini, Francesco (1446-1498) L’Assunzione della Vergine (The Assumption of the Virgin) c.1475–1476 Tempera on wood, 228.6 × 377.2 cm National Gallery, London Heaven and earth are united in this vast, dramatic scene. A dome-shaped vault has opened up in the sky to…
Botticini, Francesco (1446-1498) Scene della vita di san Girolamo (Scenes from the Life of Saint Jerome) c.1490 Tempera on poplar, 235 × 258 cm National Gallery, London Francesco Botticini’s S. Gerolamo Altarpiece is named after Saint Jerome (who appears at its centre) and…
Bonheur, Rosa (1822-1899) La foire aux chevaux (The Horse Fair) 1855 Oil on canvas, 120 × 254.6 cm National Gallery, London This is a painting of sheer animal power. Brilliant white light builds up the turbulence and excitement of the scene.…
Bellotto, Bernardo (1721-1780) La fortezza di Königstein vista da Nord (The Fortress of Königstein from the North) 1756–1758 Oil on canvas, 132.1 × 236.2 cm National Gallery, London Sharp and angular, the Saxon fortress of Königstein, about 25 miles southeast of…