Painting History. Delaroche and Lady Jane Grey.

London, 2010. Cm. 23×24, pp. 168, tavv. e ill. a col. e in nero n. t., cart. e sovrac.

The Execution of Lady Jane Grey, by the French academic painter, Paul Delaroche (1797-1856), is one of the most popular paintings in the National Gallery. A sensation when exhibited at he 1834 Paris Salo, it was widely reproduced in print. Yet by 1902, theatrical history paintings, such as Delaroche’s, had fallen out of favour and it was placed in storage. In fact, the picture was thought to have been lost until its rediscovery in 1973.This impressive book presents The Execution of Lady Jane Grey with other history paintings and preparatory sketches that made Delaroche’s reputation during his lifetime. These include Charles I Insulted – a painting thought to have been ruined during World War II and only recently unearthed. The authors examine the influence of popular prints and theatre on Delaroche’s portrayals of English history while John Guy vividly describes the short life of Lady Jane grey, Queen of England for only nine days, and her enduring mythical status as an innocent martyr.