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Oliver Cromwell

Unknown 19th Century

1850

ink

From the collection of National Gallery of Art

Romanticism Early 19th Century Allegory

Dominant colour

Oliver Cromwell is a 1850 ink by Unknown 19th Century, a Romanticism work, held at National Gallery of Art.

Who painted this?: Unknown 19th Century
When & what style?: 1850 · Romanticism
Where can I see it?: National Gallery of Art

About this work

This print shows a giant tree labeled *"The Royall Oake of Brittayne"* with a man in armor pointing at it. Around the tree, people are chopping wood, fighting, or hiding—some look scared, others angry. The tree’s branches hold crests and words like *"Britannia"* and *"King James."* At the bottom, a pig is being butchered, and the words *"Fatted for Slaughter"* appear. The tree’s roots and branches seem to represent England’s history, with the armored man possibly standing for authority. The chaotic scene mixes violence and nature, which fits the idea of an allegory—art that uses symbols to tell a bigger story. Next, look up engraving to see how artists like this one used sharp tools to create detailed prints.