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The Wallace Collection

Explore one of the most significant collections of European fine and decorative arts in the world

The Wallace Collection is a national museum in an historic London town house. In 25 galleries are unsurpassed displays of French 18th-century painting, furniture and porcelain with superb Old Master paintings and a world class armoury.

29/11/2023

This exquisite enamel miniature by Henry Bone is based on an oil painting by the French artist Elisabeth Vigée Le Brun. It depicts Emma Hamilton, a notorious actress and dancer, as a bacchante, a follower of Dionysus, the Greek god of wine.

Vigée Le Brun references the myth of Ariadne by adding a departing ship in the background. Ariadne, the daughter of the King of Crete, helped the Greek hero Theseus escape from the Labyrinth but was abandoned by him on the island of Naxos. Additionally, Emma's long hair, recumbent pose, and revealing dress evoke traditional representations of the Magdalen.

26/11/2023

People-watching with Canaletto 💭⁠
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Have you ever looked at strangers and wondered about their stories? The artist Canaletto was celebrated for his complex compositions depicting the different layers of Venetian society. In his large oil paintings, merchants, priests, and lawyers go about their day.
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Can you imagine their conversations? Let us know in the comments ⬇️⁠
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🖼️ Canaletto, Venice: the Molo with Santa Maria della Salute, 1740-45⁠
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23/11/2023

Sail away ⛵

On , we are embarking on a peaceful trip with Richard Parkes Bonington.

This stunning work was produced around 1822, making it the earliest watercolour by the artist in our collection. Here, he first established the basic outlines of his composition in pencil, and then laid in the colours, beginning with the sky, by dragging his brush across the paper, adding layer upon layer of tones before adding the individual details.

This was a challenging technique pioneered by English watercolourists and required great virtuosity. Painted when Bonington was no more than twenty, this watercolour is an excellent demonstration of his precocious talent.

Turner and Bonington: Watercolours from the Wallace Collection continues until 21 April 2024. Find out more via the link in our bio.

19/11/2023

Navy, cobalt, baby or royal, you will find all shades of blue in our collection 💙

What is your favourite blue painting in our collection? Let us know in the comments.

🖼️ After Anthony van Dyck, Queen Henrietta Maria, around 1638-1799
Jean-Baptiste Greuze, Girl in a Blue Dress, around 1800
Bernardino Luini, The Virgin and Child in a Landscape, around 1520
François Boucher, Mercury confiding the Infant Bacchus to the Nymphs, around 1732-34

17/11/2023

In this enigmatic composition by Flemish artist Jacob Jordaens, dated around 1620, a group of satyrs and human figures of various ages are gathered around a woman. She is holding a cornucopia, a goat’s horn overflowing with fruits and flowers, symbolising abundance. The grapes proffered by other figures invoke the hedonistic world of the wine god, Bacchus, who according to ancient Roman mythology presides over the Autumn harvest.

The central female figure points to two children, suggesting that the painting is a celebration of Nature's bounty. Jordaens probably did not have a single literary source in mind, but rather intended to draw out the close association of peace and fecundity, particularly at a time when the war-torn Netherlands was enjoying a period of peace, which was also known as the Twelve Years Truce.

15/11/2023

George Romney, who painted this arresting portrait of the actress and writer Mary Robinson, died in 1802.

Romney’s painting is one of the three portraits of Mary Robinson, nicknamed Perdita after her performance in Shakespeare’s The Winter’s Tale, in our collection. Here, Romney presents Mary Robinson in a fairly plain but fashionable costume. This highly contrasts with Gainsborough’s portrait of her, which alludes to her celebrity. The facial expression is also notable, as she raises one eyebrow as if tempting the viewer to challenge her.

12/11/2023

Between 1809 and 1816, J.M.W. Turner painted four Yorkshire landscapes for Sir William Pilkington, the brother-in-law of his close friend Walter Fawkes, celebrating the region's beauty.

The four exquisite watercolours included in our display Turner and Bonington: Watercolours from the Wallace Collection were probably intended as a series that celebrated the varied landscape of Yorkshire, which Turner and his patrons greatly admired. All of them were based on-the-spot drawings made in his sketchbooks, now part of the Turner Bequest at Tate Britain.

Embark on a journey through the rugged Yorkshire dales in our free one-room display. Find out more: https://bit.ly/3PE6pAS

🖼️ J.M.W. Turner, Woodcock Shooting on Otley Chevin, 1813

10/11/2023

André-Charles Boulle, cabinetmaker to King Louis XIV, was born in 1642. He is regarded as one of the most prominent cabinetmakers of his time, celebrated for the intricate techniques he perfected such as inlaying gilt brass and tortoiseshell.

Created in the early 1670s when Boulle established his reputation as the king's cabinetmaker, this cabinet features intricate wood marquetry and metalwork showcasing ornate decorations, including the figures of Summer and Autumn. It reflects the fascination with botany and Dutch still-life paintings at the time. The front is adorned with a Louis XIV medal, and the central section may have displayed prized artwork.

Find this stunning cabinet in our Billiard Room during your next visit.

08/11/2023

Can you guess what was stored in this delicate gold box? ✨

Produced in the early 1780s, the enamel decoration on the cover of this box is reminiscent of a kind of botanical specimen. The style of gilding used is known as ‘vermiculé’ and was particularly favoured by the Sèvres porcelain manufactory. The enamels around the borders include imitation pearls and translucent green leaves, on a matted gold ground.

Need a clue? This item would come particularly handy after eating a fishy lunch 🐟

Let us know your guesses in the comments or find out the answer: https://bit.ly/45XMYrV

06/11/2023

The Harpsichord Lesson by Dutch painter Jan Steen is the artist’s humorous response to the small, delicately painted pictures of the mid to late 1650s by contemporary artists such as Gerard Ter Borch and Frans van Mieris, which often deal with the rituals of courtship.

In this painting from the late 1660s, a mismatched pair of lovers forms the subject. An old man, in outdated clothes, masquerades as the music teacher of a young girl, seated at a harpsichord. The large key hanging prominently in the centre of the picture is placed on a line above the hand of the old man, implying his desire.

However, his advances go unnoticed, as indicated by the painting hung on the wall. It shows Venus, the goddess of love, and Cupid, the god of erotic desire, both of whom are asleep.

04/11/2023

Beware of the lion 🦁

This painting by French artist Camille Roqueplan is one of the most arresting works in our collection. It derives its theme from one of Jean de la Fontaine’s fables, in which a noble lion falls in love with a shepherdess. In order to marry her, the lion agrees to have its teeth and claws clipped.

The lion’s tragic fate is foreshadowed in the painting by the dogs in the background, which will be set on the lion shortly after. The subject recalls the biblical story of Samson and Delilah and interrogates the power of love over wisdom.

02/11/2023

Breathe in, breathe out 😮‍💨

This serene landscape by French artist Alexandre-Gabriel Decamps was produced around 1838 and exhibited at the Paris Salon the following year. It depicts lavish gardens and a villa often painted by 19th-century French artists. Can you guess in which city these landmarks are located? 🤔

Let us know your guesses in the comments or find out the answer: https://bit.ly/49ccbSh

31/10/2023

This painting by French artist Camille Corot is an ambitious representation of a scene from Shakespeare’s Macbeth. It depicts the moment at which Macbeth and Banquo, generals of King Duncan, meet three witches who predict Macbeth’s rise to the throne of Scotland.

The scene unfolds at the edge of a forest where Macbeth and Banquo are almost hidden in the shade; the figures of the three witches are silhouetted against the bright sky. Corot shows one of the witches pointing at the two men. The hazy, atmospheric rendering of the landscape is typical for Corot's works from the mid-1850s.

Happy Halloween! 🧙‍♀️👻

28/10/2023

Antonio Canal, known as Canaletto, was born in 1697. Celebrated for his picturesque and intricate views of Venice, he largely contributed to the development of vedute in the 18th century, a type of painting depicting cities.

During the 18th century, Venice was a popular destination for European travellers on the Grand Tour. Canaletto's works were in high demand among these tourists, who sought to acquire souvenirs of their travels.

Canaletto had an immense influence on Richard Parkes Bonington, who produced a series of views of Venice during his short career. Discover a selection of such watercolours in our display Turner and Bonington: Watercolours from the Wallace Collection.

🖼️ Canaletto, Venice: the Bacino di San Marco from the Canale della Giudecca, around 1735-44

25/10/2023

Richard Parkes Bonington, celebrated for his peaceful coastal views and colourful historical scenes, was born 1802. Our collection boasts an exceptional collection of works that span Bonington’s short-lived yet extraordinary career.

Head over to our West Gallery II to admire paintings of romantic and idealised scenes from French history. Or if you are in the mood for tranquil seaside views, visit our free display, Turner and Bonington: Watercolours from the Wallace Collection.

Find out more: bit.ly/3PE6pAS

🖼️ Richard Parkes Bonington, François Ier and Marguerite de Navarre, 1827
On the Seine near Mantes, 1823-24
Child at Prayer, 1827
Venice: the Piazzetta

21/10/2023

Domenico Zampieri, better known as Domenichino, was born in 1581. Born in Bologna, he trained there under Ludovico Carraci before moving to Rome at the beginning of the 17th century and later settling in Naples.

The ancient Greek figure of the prophetess Sibyl was a subject favoured by 17th-century Italian painters, as it provided artists with a legitimate excuse to depict beautiful young women in elegant garments.

In this painting, produced in the early 1620s, Domenichino depicts the female figure wearing sumptuous clothes with intricate embroidered details and an elaborate headpiece. He is believed to have painted at least two other Sibyls throughout his career, one with an attribute of music and another holding a Greek scroll.

Find it in the Great Gallery during your next visit.

18/10/2023

Prepare for the colder months in style with these 19th-century fire-screens 🌦️

During the mid-1800s, a distinct trend emerged involving the repurposing of older textiles such as tapestries and embroidered panels. These were mounted on new furniture, styled in an 18th-century aesthetic.

The fire-screens played a practical role, primarily as protective barriers against the intense heat of the fireplace during colder seasons. In the warmer months, they served a dual purpose, concealing the vacant hearth with an air of sophistication.

While these tapestries have been reframed over time, they were likely originally woven as fire-screen panels, possibly forming part of a set representing the months. In this context, the depiction associated with the zodiac sign for Gemini would symbolise the month of June, while the other, representing Sagittarius, would correspond to December.

16/10/2023

Art is on the menu 🦞

Looking for inspiration for your next dinner party? On , we are inviting you to a feast for the eyes and sharing some of our most impressive still-life paintings.

Let us know which dinner you would choose in the comments ⬇️

15/10/2023

Yesterday was the birthday of French painter Simon Saint-Jean. Simon Saint-Jean lived in Lyon during a time when the French city became one of Europe’s greatest horticultural centres, which led to the popularisation of still-life and flower paintings.

He produced this painting for Richard Seymour-Conway, 4th Marquess of Hertford, to accompany Flowers and Grapes, another work by the artist the Marquess already owned. Here, the artist renders various textures, colours and extravagant flowers.

You can almost smell it 👃 💐

14/10/2023

The dog days are nearly over 🐶🐕

Don’t miss your chance to see Portraits of Dogs: From Gainsborough to Hockney before it closes this Sunday 15 October.

From elegant aristocratic portraits to tender sketches by Queen Victoria and striking works by David Hockney, discover centuries of dog portraiture in our 5-star exhibition.

Have you already visited Portraits of Dogs? Share your favourite moment from the exhibition in the comments below ⬇️

Book your tickets today: https://bit.ly/3jjssQg

🖼️ Jean-Jacques Bachelier, Dog of the Havana Breed, 1768 © The Bowes Museum, Barnard Castle.

12/10/2023

Our display of watercolours by J.M.W. Turner and Richard Parkes Bonington highlights the profound respect and admiration Bonington nurtured for Turner.

Can you distinguish Turner's strokes from Bonington's and guess who produced this work? 🔍

Let us know your guesses in the comments. Or find out the answer: https://bit.ly/3QbLEwZ

10/10/2023

French painter Antoine Watteau, renowned for whimsical depictions of 18th-century French aristocratic life, was born in 1684.

In this painting titled Voulez vous triompher des Belles?, Watteau blends the idyllic countryside with elements of the theatre, incorporating actors backstage, halfway between their stage personas and their true selves, into his idealised outdoor scene. Harlequin can be identified by his diamond-patterned costume and black mask, while some background characters wear 17th-century white ruffled collars, possibly also actors.

In the background, a lute player and a woman holding sheet music are preparing to play music. Theatre and music signify social interaction and role-playing, but Watteau avoids creating a straightforward narrative, playing with the openness and ambiguity of the situation.

06/10/2023

Say cheese 😁

On , we are putting you to the test to recognise who painted some of the most iconic grins in our collection.

Let us know your guesses in the comments.

05/10/2023

Dogs come in all shapes and sizes, but do you know your poodle from your spaniel? 🐕

Meet over 50 faithful companions in our 5-star exhibition Portraits of Dogs: From Gainsborough to Hockney. Can you guess the breeds of the dogs depicted in the following works?

Let us know your guesses in the comments below.

There’s still time to see Portraits of Dogs before it closes on 15 October. Get your tickets today via the link in our bio 🐾

🖼️ Edwin Landseer, Hector, Nero and Dash with the Parrot Lory, 1838 Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2023
Thomas Gainsborough, Tristram and Fox, c.1775–85 © Tate Images
James Ward, F***y, A Favourite Dog, 1822. By courtesy of the Trustees of Sir John Soane’s Museum, London
Hills & Saunders, Minna (1869-1873), 1872 Royal Collection Trust / © His Majesty King Charles III 2023

04/10/2023

Did you spot us in yesterday’s episode of Fake or Fortune? 👀🍓⁠
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It was a pleasure to host Philip Mould and Fiona Bruce for this exclusive episode exploring the techniques of English portraitist Joshua Reynolds.⁠
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We won’t spoil the end but rewatch the episode on BBC IPlayer to catch a glimpse of our enigmatic Strawberry Girl. Or see it for yourself in our Bo***ir during your next visit.⁠
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02/10/2023

Richard III, King of England, was born in 1452. This painting by French artist Paul Delaroche is one of the most haunting works in our collection and directly refers to the monarch despite not depicting him.

The subject of this work is believed to have been drawn from Shakespeare’s Richard III. Edward V succeeded to the throne on the death of his father Edward IV. Shortly afterwards, he and his younger brother, Richard, Duke of York, were murdered in the Tower of London.

In Shakespeare’s play the murder of the brothers is related by Sir James Tyrrel, Richard III’s henchman, rather than shown on stage. This painting, with its stage-like setting and melodramatic subject, is highly theatrical. The dog and perhaps the young Duke of York could sense the arrival of the approaching murderers. An ominous shadow can be seen at the bottom of the door to the bedroom.

Find this fascinating work in West Gallery II during your next visit.

🖼️ Paul Delaroche, Edward V and the Duke of York in the Tower, 1831

28/09/2023

Can you recognise François Boucher’s style at a glance? 🎀

Tomorrow will mark French painter François Boucher’s 320th birthday. Renowned for his sensuous paintings, he was one of Madame de Pompadour’s favourite artists.

The Wallace Collection holds an exceptional collection of paintings by the artist, from elegant portraits to mythological scenes. One of the following works is not by Boucher...Can you guess which one? 👀

Let us know your guesses in the comments below.

25/09/2023

Woof, there’s not long left to see our 5-star exhibition Portraits of Dogs: From Gainsborough to Hockney before it closes on 15 October 🐕

See exceptional works by Landseer, Hockney, Freud and more in the first exhibition dedicated to dog portraiture.

Book your tickets today: bit.ly/3jjssQg

🖼️ David Hockney, Dog Painting 41, 1995 (detail) © David Hockney. Photo Credit: Richard Schmidt Collection The David Hockney Foundation

23/09/2023

Autumn is traditionally represented by a female figure in paintings. In this work by one of the most influential artists of the 17th century, the season is personified by Bacchus, the god of wine. Can you guess which painting this is?

If you need a clue, you can find it in the Great Gallery 🔍

Let us know your guesses in the comments or find out the answer: bit.ly/3PLqDsu

20/09/2023

Our new display Turner and Bonington: Watercolours from the Wallace Collection is now open 🌊

Embark on a journey with our new display of works by two of Britain's greatest watercolourists, Joseph Mallord William Turner and Richard Parkes Bonington.

Bringing together ten exceptional images, from the rugged Yorkshire Dales to the grandeur of Venice, Turner and Bonington: Watercolours from the Wallace Collection is a rare opportunity to view works not seen in public for 17 years.

Find out more: bit.ly/3PE6pAS

🖼️ J.M.W. Turner, Scarborough Castle: Boys Crab Fishing, 1809
Richard Parkes Bonington, Venice: the Piazzetta, around 1826-28

18/09/2023

This expressive depiction of a mountainous view of the Roman Campagna in Italy belongs to a group of sweeping panoramic landscapes painted by Dutch painter Nicolaes Berchem in the mid to late 1650s.

The expansive, rocky landscape is bathed in golden evening light. Berchem’s warm light effects recall those of his contemporary, Jan Both. The viewer’s attention is drawn to a woman on horseback, who wears a bright red tunic and turns gracefully to converse with her companion who walks alongside her.

The elegance of Berchem’s figures, with their characteristically expressive yet enigmatic gestures, was greatly admired by collectors until the mid-19th century.

🖼️ Nicolaes Berchem, Italian Landscape with Figures, 1654

15/09/2023

London Fashion Week is starting today and we’re sporting our best frocks. Which clothes from our collection of paintings by Joshua Reynolds would you choose to wear? ✨

English portraitist Joshua Reynolds was renowned for his ability to render with great subtlety the different tones, colours and fabrics of 18th-century costume, from lace to quilt.

Explore the ties between Reynolds’s practice and fashion in a new article by Jacqui Ansell, Senior Lecturer at Christie's Education, on our site dedicated to the artist.

Find out more via the link in our bio.

🖼️ Joshua Reynolds, Miss Nelly O’Brien, around 1762-64
Mrs Elizabeth Carnac, around 1775
Mrs Mary Robinson, 1783-84
Mrs Susanna H***e and Child, 1763-64
Miss Jane Bowles, 1775-76

13/09/2023

The Wallace Collection boasts an extraordinary collection of 17th-century Dutch paintings, from intimate portraits to windswept seascapes and lively tavern scenes. Can you tell which artists produced these five paintings?

Immerse yourself in the works of some of the Dutch Republic’s greatest artists in our upcoming online course. Over two days, we’ll explore why portraiture gained such popularity, how landscapes and seascapes were used to document expanding territories and why narrative painting was problematic for the Protestant faith.

📅 4 and 5 October 2023
⏲️ 11.00-13.00 BST, online (Zoom)
🎟️ Tickets £40-£35

Find out more and book your tickets: bit.ly/4474pW8

11/09/2023

In this exceptional work on paper, the Renaissance artist Leonardo da Vinci focuses intently on a left forepaw, possibly of a large deerhound. Using both sides of the sheet, he observes the forepaw from different angles, using metalpoint, a difficult technique which required considerable control, since it was impossible to correct lines drawn with the metal stylus.

Leonardo was interested in the anatomy of the dog’s paw, the articulation of the tendons and the way the two sharp claws are grounded closely together.

Portraits of Dogs: From Gainsborough to Hockney is open until 15 October 2023. Book your tickets: bit.ly/3jjssQg

🖼️ Leonardo da Vinci, Studies of a Dog's Paw (verso), around 1490-95, National Galleries of Scotland. Purchased by Private Treaty Sale with the aid of the Art Fund 1991 © National Galleries of Scotland ⁠

08/09/2023

Let’s take a trip to 17th-century Flanders ☀️🌿

In this painting, dated around 1636, Rubens depicts a magnificent panoramic view of the countryside of Flemish Brabant surrounding Het Steen, the artist’s manor house and estate, situated between Brussels and Antwerp.

Here, Rubens presents an idealised view of a working landscape. Haymaking is in progress and dairy cattle are being herded down a track. Ducks dabble on the bank of the stream while smiling milkmaids and a farmhand greet the driver of a hay wagon. A sense of peacefulness and contentment is reinforced by the double-arced rainbow that sweeps across the sky, unifying the composition.

The Rainbow Landscape and its pendant, A View of Het Steen in the Early Morning, now with our friends at The National Gallery were brought together in 2021 in our exhibition Rubens: Reuniting the Great Landscapes. Explore our virtual exhibition: bit.ly/3ExdmgZ

06/09/2023

Furniture fit for royalty 👑 ✨

This desk was made by Marie-Antoinette's favourite cabinetmaker, Jean-Henri Riesener, for the queen’s private sitting room at Versailles. This desk is particularly striking, with elaborate acanthus mounts, iconographical marquetry and neoclassical male mounts on either side.

This heavy style would have been largely out of date when it was delivered in 1870. It is perhaps surprising that Riesener produced an old-fashioned model at a time when he was also developing a new style of furniture and decoration for the queen. Indeed, it was not long before Marie-Antoinette got rid of it and changed the decor in her private study.

Curious to find out more about our extraordinary collection of furniture by Riesener? Explore our in-depth online resources, from detailed written content to interactive 3D models. Find out more: bit.ly/44nllbv

04/09/2023

Titus van Rijn, Rembrandt’s son, died on in 1668, a few weeks before his 27th birthday.

The only of his children from his first marriage to survive infancy, Titus sat for his father numerous times during his lifetime. This tender portrait was produced around 1657, a difficult year for Rembrandt and his family. During this time, Rembrandt had to file for bankruptcy and his family was forced to sell some of his paintings and prints.

Here, Rembrandt sympathetically captures the young man’s serious gaze, a look very different in feeling from the childlike glance seen in earlier pictures. The artist renders an array of textures with intricacy, from the soft fabric of his garments to the delicate embroidery on his hat.

Father and son find each other in our East Gallery I. Find them during your next visit to the Wallace Collection.

02/09/2023

Summer might be coming to an end, but our programme of events will keep you busy during the colder months. From in-depth courses to weekend masterclasses, there is something for everyone.

☀️ See how the Florentine Medici family exerted an extraordinary influence on the development of Western European art.

⛵ Delve into the works of some of the Dutch Republic’s greatest artists, from lively portraits to bustling tavern scenes and windswept seascapes.

✏️ Take your drawing to a new level by learning from depictions of the human figure and by working from models in the studio.

🌊 Described as unique and visionary by critics during his lifetime, explore the life and work of artist JMW Turner.

👩‍🎨 Master the creative possibilities of pencil and watercolour, inspired by Turner and Bonington.

Explore our full programme and book your tickets today: bit.ly/40OCGIf

🖼️ Studio of Agnolo Bronzino, Eleonora di Toledo, around 1562-72
Willem van de Velde the Younger, Calm: Dutch Ships coming to Anchor, 1665
Titian, Perseus and Andromeda, 1554-56
JMW Turner, Grouse Shooting on Beamsley Beacon, around 1816
Richard Parkes Bonington, A Sea Piece, 1824

01/09/2023

Weekend goals ☀️

This Friday, we’re taking a trip to a sunny destination with French painter Prosper Marilhat. Can you guess which emblematic landmark this 19th-century painting depicts?

Let us know your guesses in the comments. Or find out the answer: bit.ly/3P2SQcX

30/08/2023

Take a moment today to pause and admire this exceptional landscape by French artist Jean-Honoré Fragonard 😌 🌿

Painted after his summer spent sketching in parks during a trip to Italy, this is one of Fragonard's most beautiful landscape paintings. The leafy landscape may have been inspired by the Dragon Fountain and gardens at the Villa d'Este in Tivoli, where Fragonard made many drawings. However, the final image characteristically owes more to the artist’s imagination than faithfully recreating the original reference.

If you could transport yourself into any painting in our collection, which one would you choose? Let us know in the comments.

🖼️ Jean-Honoré Fragonard, Le petit parc, around 1762-64

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