Who painted Stonehenge?

Stonehenge was painted by Gertrude Hermes in 1959.

Where can I see Stonehenge?

Stonehenge is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

Stonehenge by Gertrude Hermes (1959) — Meaning & Museum

About this work

Overview

Gertrude Hermes’ 1959 colour linocut presents a stylised view of the prehistoric monument known as Stonehenge. The print captures the iconic arrangement of massive stone uprights set within a shallow circle, rendered in bold, contrasting tones that emphasize the weight and texture of the stones against a luminous sky.

Subject & Meaning

The composition focuses on five towering monoliths forming a near‑complete ring, each stone rendered with irregular surfaces and subtle markings that hint at age and weathering. A flat slab rests atop the circle, suggesting the lintel that crowns the central trilithon, while the surrounding ground is depicted as uneven grass punctuated with patches of yellow and blue, evoking the landscape’s changing light.

Technique & Style

Hermes employed the linocut relief process, carving the design into a linoleum block before printing it in multiple colours. Strong, decisive lines define the stone edges, while gradations of shading convey depth and mass. The bright, almost radiant sky background is achieved through layered colour applications, creating a striking visual contrast that highlights the monument’s solidity.

History & Provenance

The work was entered in the 1960 Giles Bequest Competition, a contest dedicated to colour relief prints made from wood, linoleum or metal, where it secured first prize. Since its creation, the print has been held in public collections, including the Victoria and Albert Museum, where it is catalogued among mid‑20th‑century British printmaking.

Context

Created during a period of renewed interest in British heritage sites, Hermes’ print reflects the post‑war fascination with ancient landscapes as symbols of continuity. The piece aligns with contemporary explorations of printmaking as a medium capable of conveying both the physicality of historic structures and the atmospheric qualities of their surroundings.