Artifact World Gallery
Get the iOS app

Artwork

William and Mary Presenting the Cap of Liberty to Europe (sketch for the painted ceiling of the Great Hall, Greenwich Hospital)

James, Sir Thornhill , 1710

William and Mary Presenting the Cap of Liberty to Europe (sketch for the painted ceiling of the Great Hall, Greenwich Hospital), by James, Sir Thornhill, oil, 1710
William and Mary Presenting the Cap of Liberty to Europe (sketch for the painted ceiling of the Great Hall, Greenwich Hospital), by James, Sir Thornhill, oil, 1710

William and Mary Presenting the Cap of Liberty to Europe (sketch for the painted ceiling of the Great Hall, Greenwich Hospital) is an oil painting by the Barbizon school artist James, Sir Thornhill. It dates from 1710 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

This oil painting is a preliminary study for a section of the decorative scheme in the Painted Hall at Greenwich Hospital, London, designed by Christopher Wren. It is a rough, vigorous sketch that served as a design for a larger work.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts William and Mary, attended by allegorical figures, presenting Peace and Liberty to Europe while trampling Tyranny. Other figures include Concord, the Cardinal Virtues, Architecture, Time, Truth, Wisdom, Virtue, Apollo, and the Seasons, symbolizing the Protestant succession and virtues of the monarchs.

Technique & Style

The sketch is characterized by a relatively crude but vigorous painting technique, with visible brushstrokes and a focus on conveying the overall composition and symbolism rather than fine detail.

History & Provenance

The painting was created as part of a larger decorative scheme for Greenwich Hospital, executed by Sir James Thornhill and his assistants between 1708 and 1712, although this specific sketch predates the final work. The project took 19 years to complete.

William and Mary Presenting the Cap of Liberty to Europe (sketch for the painted ceiling of the Great Hall, Greenwich Hospital)
William and Mary Presenting the Cap of Liberty to Europe (sketch for the painted ceiling of the Great Hall, Greenwich Hospital), James Thornhill

Artist & collection

MORE BY JAMES, SIR THORNHILL

VISUALLY SIMILAR

Similarity 100 percent

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted William and Mary Presenting the Cap of Liberty to Europe (sketch for the painted ceiling of the Great Hall, Greenwich Hospital)?

William and Mary Presenting the Cap of Liberty to Europe (sketch for the painted ceiling of the Great Hall, Greenwich Hospital) was painted by James, Sir Thornhill in 1710.

Where can I see William and Mary Presenting the Cap of Liberty to Europe (sketch for the painted ceiling of the Great Hall, Greenwich Hospital)?

William and Mary Presenting the Cap of Liberty to Europe (sketch for the painted ceiling of the Great Hall, Greenwich Hospital) is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is William and Mary Presenting the Cap of Liberty to Europe (sketch for the painted ceiling of the Great Hall, Greenwich Hospital)?

William and Mary Presenting the Cap of Liberty to Europe (sketch for the painted ceiling of the Great Hall, Greenwich Hospital) is associated with Barbizon school.

Can I buy a print of William and Mary Presenting the Cap of Liberty to Europe (sketch for the painted ceiling of the Great Hall, Greenwich Hospital)?

Museum-quality prints of William and Mary Presenting the Cap of Liberty to Europe (sketch for the painted ceiling of the Great Hall, Greenwich Hospital) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.