Who painted Figures in Gunpowder Plot?

Figures in Gunpowder Plot was painted by Unknown 19th Century in 1850.

Where can I see Figures in Gunpowder Plot?

Figures in Gunpowder Plot is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Figures in Gunpowder Plot?

Figures in Gunpowder Plot is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

Figures in Gunpowder Plot

Unknown 19th Century , 1850

Figures in Gunpowder Plot is an ink print by the Romanticist artist Unknown 19th Century. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The print is a black‑and‑white engraving that gathers a compact group of men in period attire, their faces close together and expressions ranging from solemn to amused. A lit torch is held by one figure, and the names of seven individuals appear above the heads, identifying them as the conspirators of the 1605 Gunpowder Plot.

Subject & Meaning

The composition dramatizes the infamous Catholic conspiracy to blow up the English Parliament, presenting the plotters as a tightly knit, almost theatrical ensemble. By labeling each figure, the artist transforms a historical episode into a narrative tableau, inviting viewers to contemplate the personal dimensions of the treason and the collective nature of the scheme.

Technique & Style

Executed in engraving, the work relies on fine lines and cross‑hatching to model light, shadow, and texture. The contrast between the illuminated torch and the surrounding darkness heightens the tension, while the dense hatching on the clothing and faces creates a sense of immediacy and depth within the limited monochrome palette.

History & Provenance

Created after the events of 1605, the print reflects a later period’s interest in visualizing the Gunpowder Plot for a public audience. Though the exact date and artist remain uncertain, such engravings were commonly circulated as pamphlets or broadsides, serving both as historical record and moral warning in post‑plot England.