Artwork
Charles II (1630–1685), and Nell Gwyn (1650–1687)
Charles II (1630–1685), and Nell Gwyn (1650–1687) is an oil painting by the British Romanticist artist Edward Matthew Ward. It dates from 1854 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.
About this work
Overview
This oil painting, created by Edward Matthew Ward in 1854, depicts a scene featuring Charles II and Nell Gwyn. It is a representative work of the British Romantic movement, characterized by its narrative and character-driven qualities.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows Charles II, dressed in dark attire, approaching Nell Gwyn, who sits on a raised platform wearing a white dress. The scene conveys a sense of interaction between the two figures, with Nell Gwyn appearing to be engaged in conversation with the king.
Technique & Style
The artist's use of chiaroscuro creates a contrast between light and dark, emphasizing the central figures. The work is executed in oil paint, a medium that allows for rich, detailed renderings of texture and atmosphere.
History & Provenance
The painting is part of the Victoria and Albert Museum's collection. Edward Matthew Ward, a British historical genre painter, is also known for his murals in the Palace of Westminster, which chronicle key moments in 17th-century British history.
Artist & collection
Artist
Edward Matthew Ward, , (14 July 1816 – 15 January 1879) was a British painter who specialised in historical genre.
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