Ah, I love it when lost masterpieces are rediscovered! This amazing painting, Charles I Insulted by Cromwell’s Soldiers by Paul Delaroche was hidden in a mansion belonging to the Duke of Sutherland in the Highlands of Scotland at the start of the Second World War and has remained there, forgotten and presumed lost forever, ever since.
I love Delaroche’s paintings and am pretty thrilled that there is to be an exhibition of his work at the National Gallery, London from 24th February to 23rd May 2010, focussing on his most famous painting, The Execution of Lady Jane Grey.
I think everyone must love this painting! I was interested to learn that Delaroche’s paintings were inspired by the events of the French Revolution, even if they didn’t depict them.
This is his work: The Conquerers of the Bastille before the Hotel de Ville. He also painted some great depictions of Napoléon, preferring to paint him as looking somewhat folorn.
I really like this painting of the deathbed of Elizabeth I as well:
I’m going to be in London for a few days next Spring, mainly to hang around Spitalfields looking purposeful but I think I may well have to fit in a trip to the National Gallery as well!
