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Exploring the Wallace Collection

Table of Contents

Introduction

The Wallace Collection is a museum located in London, England, which houses an extensive collection of fine and decorative arts. The collection was amassed by Sir Richard Wallace in the 19th century and bequeathed to the nation upon his death. It includes paintings, sculptures, furniture, arms and armor, and other works of art from across Europe and Asia.

Key Pieces of Artwork

Trophy Head (Asante)

https://www.wallacecollection.org/media/images/OA1683_1_HcFAF7g.width-2000.jpg

  • Author: Unknown
  • Date: Purchased by Sir Richard Wallace in c1874
  • Description: Originating from Ghana, this artifact represents a significant piece of African art and history.

Self-Portrait in a Black Cap

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQ0GtfHcNtunUYuSSd34X2tBouyjp7eOwQLmD0umX4Js5-gLEzyZFZHctSOZ6VbVtVAbs4&usqp=CAU

  • Author: Rembrandt
  • Date: 1637
  • Description: One of over sixty self-portraits by Rembrandt, this painting features the artist in a 16th-century fur cape and leather glove, symbolizing a gentleman.

The Swing

https://i.ytimg.com/vi/3FjjP7Uyb1U/maxresdefault.jpg

  • Author: Jean-Honore Fragonard
  • Date: c 1765
  • Description: A mildly erotic painting, it depicts a girl swinging and kicking off her shoe in front of her old husband and young lover.

Strawberry Girl

https://wallacelive.wallacecollection.org/eMP/eMuseumPlus?service=DynamicAsset&sp=SU5mxm4Yx%2FVbhp94nksEmWhUPPCPARCxmRF3wZoiekBYI9dLioBnZzXySIRTomizoxxT9oo9OlonT%0APnyO6EhNhnOgOpQYyGgGmp9f4Yzsn%2FRogeai2vDoqUwFKCplSfBYxIqE9mglfu4%3D&sp=Simage%2Fjpeg

  • Author: Sir Joshua Reynolds
  • Date: Unknown
  • Description: Featuring a lost child holding a basket of strawberries under her arm, this painting represents the beggars who patrolled Covent Garden.

Nelly O'Brien

https://wallacelive.wallacecollection.org/eMP/eMuseumPlus?service=DynamicAsset&sp=SU5mxm4Yx%2FVbhp94nksEmWhUPPCPARCxmRF3wZoiekBYI9dLioBnZzXySIRTomizoxxT9oo9OlonT%0APnyO6EhNhnOgOpQYyGgGmp9f4Yzsn%2FRogeai2vDoqTtzaKEj2%2BxNxIqE9mglfu4%3D&sp=Simage%2Fjpeg

  • Author: Sir Joshua Reynolds
  • Date: c 1762
  • Description: A portrait of an actress and High Courtesan, known for her direct gaze, which suggests frankness, forthrightness, and power.

Perdita - Mrs. Robinson

https://wallacelive.wallacecollection.org/eMP/eMuseumPlus?service=DynamicAsset&sp=SU5mxm4Yx%2FVbhp94nksEmWhUPPCPARCxmRF3wZoiekBYI9dLioBnZzXySIRTomizoxxT9oo9OlonT%0APnyO6EhNhnOgOpQYyGgGmp9f4Yzsn%2FRogeai2vDoqdRiWIHYKMuWxIqE9mglfu4%3D&sp=Simage%2Fjpeg

  • Author: Sir Joshua Reynolds
  • Date: 1780s
  • Description: A portrait of an actress from 'Winter's Tale' and mistress of the Prince of Wales.

Dance to the Music of Time

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f1/The_dance_to_the_music_of_time_c._1640.jpg/1200px-The_dance_to_the_music_of_time_c._1640.jpg

  • Author: Nicolas Poussin
  • Date: 1634-6
  • Description: An allegorical painting that represents the four seasons or four conditions - poverty, labor, riches, pleasure, and back to poverty - in a cycle of time.

Laughing Cavalier

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/97/Cavalier_soldier_Hals-1624x.jpg/1200px-Cavalier_soldier_Hals-1624x.jpg

  • Author: Frans Hals
  • Date: 1624
  • Description: A study in blacks, this portrait features a jovial and well-dressed gentleman.

Views of Venice

https://www.wallacecollection.org/media/images/P499_c53feSQ.width-2000.jpg

  • Author: Antonio Canaletto
  • Date: Mid-18th century
  • Description: Numerous examples of Canaletto's depictions of Venice can be found in the Main Gallery and side room.

Rainbow Landscape

https://www.wallacecollection.org/media/images/P63_XJjAW4g.width-2000.jpg

  • Author: Peter Paul Rubens
  • Date: 1636
  • Description: A lush and vibrant landscape painting by the renowned Flemish artist.

Armour as Art

https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/2298/2943/products/TWC-11_1200x630.jpg?v=1547122512

  • Author: Unknown
  • Date: c 1480
  • Description: A German set of armor for horse and man, showcasing utility and beauty through its ornamental design, fluted surfaces for added strength, and sloped surfaces to deflect blows.
Authors