Beginner's Guides

The paintings in the National Gallery's collection come from Western Europe, and their subjects reflect the history, religion and myths of the region. These Beginner's Guides explain some of the subjects and stories featured in the works, which might at first be unfamiliar.

Saints

• Saint Catherine of Alexandria
• Saint Jerome
• Saint John the Baptist
• Saint Mary Magdalene (the Magdalen)
• Saint Sebastian

Personifications

• Charity
• Time

Myths and Legends

• Judgement of Paris
• Jupiter's Transformations
• The Odyssey
• Oedipus
• Orpheus

Painting Types

• Imaginary landscapes
• Real landscapes