Paintings in depth

Learn more about the National Gallery paintings – the in-depth stories behind the art

Corot: The Four Times of Day

Learn more about the technique, theme, and history of Corot's series, 'The Four Times of Day.'

Collecting and displaying art: Longford Castle and the National Gallery

Over the course of the 18th century, an outstanding collection of portraits and Old Master paintings was built up at Longford Castle. Later, a few of these artworks were put on display at the National Gallery.

Barocci: a lesson in drawing

Discover the technical brilliance and creative mastery of one of the Renaissance's finest artists with our unique online resource.

A unique opportunity to compare and contrast two versions of Van Gogh's 'Sunflowers' - one from The National Gallery, London, one from Van Gogh Museum, Amsterdam.

In the line of fire: Manet's 'The Execution of Maximilian'

Who are the men in Manet's masterpiece? Learn about the history of its subjects and how the painting ended up in fragments on the National Gallery walls.

The hidden Leonardo

Read about the 2005 discovery of a hidden drawing lying beneath Leonardo's Virgin of the Rocks

Sunflowers: Symbols of happiness

Yellow symbolised happiness for Van Gogh. Read about his famous 'Sunflowers' paintings and the story of his life.

Painting saints

Learn how to identify saints in National Gallery paintings. Follow their legends and discover more about their special roles

Paintings in depth: Diana and Actaeon

Find out about the commission, the story and the painting.

Heroine of Trafalgar: The Fighting Temeraire

Read about Turner's celebrated painting of the last voyage of an old war hero – The Fighting Temeraire.

How to spot a Raphael

Learn how The Madonna of the Pinks was identified as a work by Raphael.

Guide, suitable for key stage 3, key stage 4 and key stage 5

Discover how the adventures of young aristocrats had a lasting impact on the National Gallery Collection.

The real Madame de Pompadour

She was the most powerful courtesan of her day, but who was the real Madame de Pompadour?

Document, suitable for key stage 3, key stage 4 and key stage 5

Mysterious Virgin

Uncover the secrets that lie behind Leonardo's Renaissance masterpiece.

Document, suitable for key stage 3, key stage 4 and key stage 5

Paintings in depth: Verrocchio unveiled

Discover how conservation work helped to identify two works by Leonardo’s teacher, Andrea del Verrocchio.

Art in the making

Listen to curators, conservators and staff from the Scientific Department at the Gallery talking about their research on a selection of paintings

All paintings in the collection