Skip to Main Content

 Admission is always freeOpen today: 10:00  to 5:00  Directions             Play Artle            

                  -  Visit                      - Visit
                    - Getting Here
                    - Accessibility
                    - Tours, Guides & Maps
                    - Food & Drink
                    - Gallery Shops
                    - Visitor Policies 
                  -  Collection                      - Collection
                    - Highlights
                    - Search the Collection
                    - Artists Search
                    - Acquisition Highlights
                    - Stories
                    - Games 
                  -  Exhibitions                      - Exhibitions
                    - Current
                    - Special Installations
                    - Upcoming
                    - On Tour
                    - Past 
                  -  Calendar                      - Calendar
                    - Films
                    - Performances
                    - Talks
                    - Guided Tours
                    - After Hours
                    - Fun for Kids
                    - Festivals
                    - Workshops 
                  -  Learn                      - Learn
                    - Teachers
                    - Families
                    - Teens
                    - Adults
                    - Learning Resources
                    - Music Programs
                    - Film Programs 
                  -  Conservation                      - Conservation
                    - Projects
                    - Publications
                    - Resources 
                  -  Research                      - Research
                    - The Center
                    - Publications
                    - Make an Appointment
                    - Archives
                    - Library
                    - NGA Online Editions 
                  -  Support                      - Support
                    - Donate Now
                    - National Membership
                    - Circle Membership
                    - Leadership Groups
                    - Planned Giving
                    - Major Giving
                    - Gifts of Art 
                  -  Shop                      - Shop
                    - Books
                    - Jewelry
                    - Apparel & Accessories
                    - Kids
                    - NGA Custom Prints 
                  -  Play Artle

Home>National Gallery of Art Communications Office>Exhibition Announcements, Releases, and Press Material>Exhibition Press Release 2023>New Additions of British Drawings Featured in Exhibition at National Gallery of Art

February 24, 2023

# New Additions of British Drawings Featured in Exhibition at National Gallery of Art

Ezekiel Barton*A Cliff Overhung with Trees*, early 19th century watercolor over graphite on wove papersheet: 54 x 37.1 cm (21 1/4 x 14 5/8 in.)mount: 61.8 x 48.4 cm (24 5/16 x 19 1/16 in.)National Gallery of Art, WashingtonPurchased as the Gift of Alexander M. and Judith W. Laughlin

**Press Release**

Exhibition Checklist (492 KB PDF)

Exhibition Wall Text (1.5 MB PDF)

Exhibition Floor Plan (1.6 MB PDF)

Curator:Stacey Sell Associate Curator, Department of Old Master Drawings National Gallery of Art

Exhibition Page: *Drawing in Britain, 1700–1900: New Additions to the Collection*

**Press Contact**Laurie Tylecphone: (202) 842-6355e-mail: [email protected]

Washington, DC—Selected from the National Gallery of Art’s collection, ***Drawing in Britain, 1700–1900: New Additions to the Collection*** features approximately 80 recently acquired drawings and watercolors that present an overview of two centuries of British art. Works on view trace the trajectory of British art, from the influence of continental Europe in the early 18th century, through the development of watercolor as a source of national pride, to the variety of approaches by late Victorian artists. The exhibition is on view from April 2 through August 6, 2023, in the West Building of the National Gallery of Art.

“Over the past ten years, we have broadened our collection of British drawings, emphasizing figure studies, portraits, and history scenes, as well as the landscapes we have traditionally collected,” said Kaywin Feldman, director of the National Gallery of Art. “I would like to thank the many donors who have generously contributed to this effort. We have also made a commitment to acquire drawings by British women, and we welcome this opportunity to highlight these fascinating but little-known artists.”

**Exhibition Tour**

National Gallery of Art, Washington, April 2–August 6, 2023

**About the Exhibition**

***Drawing in Britain*** provides an overview of two centuries of British art, using exquisite examples of drawings and watercolors acquired for the permanent collection over the past ten years. The varied selection reflects the National Gallery’s current efforts to supplement the landscapes most readily associated with British art of this period with figural work, ranging from nude studies to portraits. Throughout the exhibition, works by British women provide glimpses into the lives and work of several intriguing but little-known artists. Although the exhibition consists mainly of drawings, these are supplemented with paintings from the permanent collection, providing public access to these important works while the British painting galleries remain closed for renovation.

The exhibition begins with the early 18th century and explores how British artists turned to Europe for inspiration to establish themselves on the international stage. This section includes a preparatory study by prominent decorative painter James Thornhill, demonstrating his familiarity with Italian art, as well as several landscapes made by British artists who visited or studied in Rome, including Alexander Cozens and his son, John Robert Cozens.

The next section traces early developments in British landscape, including the rise of Romanticism and the taste for the picturesque, exploring works by Thomas Gainsborough, John Hoppner, and Cornelius Varley. During the same period, popular subjects also included portraiture and scenes from British literature, and the exhibition introduces examples of these genres by artists such as Daniel Gardner and Henry Fuseli. Animal painting is represented in two studies by Sir Edwin Landseer, one of the most popular animal artists of all time. Amateur artists—both men and women—played a crucial role in British art throughout the centuries. Talented amateurs such as Ezekiel Barton and Miss Selby sketched for recreation, but they also provided an informed audience for public exhibitions and an enthusiastic clientele for the many artists who taught drawing lessons to supplement their income.

Among the most important developments in the history of British art was the rise of the watercolor. This is represented in every section of the exhibition, from the delicate “tinted drawings” of artists like Paul Sandby to the spectacular exhibition pieces of William Callow and the figural work of Emily Farmer. ***Drawing in Britain*** surveys the varied approaches to watercolor and traces its history as a source of national pride.

The last section of the exhibition explores the many artistic currents of the late 19th century. William Henry Millais applied the principles of the Pre-Raphaelite movement to landscape, while Idyllists such as John William North depicted scenes of rural life. Drawing from the nude model was a crucial part of artistic education throughout much of the century, but women artists were excluded from such classes in most drawing schools. Live-model drawing is represented here with two studies by William Mulready and William Linnell. While women artists are featured throughout the exhibition, works in the last section by Beatrice Godwin Whistler, Edith Martineau, and several others highlight the growing role of women as professional artists.**Exhibition Organization**

The exhibition is organized by the National Gallery of Art, Washington.

**Exhibition Curator**

The exhibition is curated by Stacey Sell, associate curator of old master drawings, National Gallery of Art, Washington.

****

Press Announcement:***Drawing in Britain, 1700–1900: A Decade of Acquisitions***National Gallery of Art, Washington, April 2–August 6, 2023

Selected entirely from the National Gallery’s permanent collection, this exhibition of approximately 80 recently acquired drawings and watercolors provides an overview of two centuries of British art. Works on view reveal European influences on British art starting in the 1700s. They trace the development of watercolor as a national specialty and introduce the varied approaches that emerged during the Victorian era. *Drawing in Britain* not only includes significant examples of the landscapes that are traditionally associated with British art, but it also highlights portraits, history scenes, and nude studies. Works by British women provide glimpses into the lives and work of several fascinating yet little-known artists.The exhibition is curated by Stacey Sell, associate curator of old master drawings, National Gallery of Art, Washington.

*The exhibition is organized by the National Gallery of Art, Washington.*

# Contact Information

**General Information**For additional press information please call or send inquiries to:Department of CommunicationsNational Gallery of Art2000 South Club DriveLandover, MD 20785phone: (202) 842-6353e-mail: [email protected]

**Chief of Communications**Anabeth Guthriephone: (202) 842-6804e-mail: [email protected]

**Newsletters**The National Gallery also offers a broad range of newsletters for various interests. Follow this link to view the complete list.

# Related Resources

Exhibitions

Press Releases

Newsletters

RSS News Feed

### Stay connected

Learn more about our exhibitions, news, programs, and special offers.

About
          - About the National Gallery
          - Stories
          - Press
          - FAQs
          - Contact Us

Plan a Visit
          - Getting Here
          - Accessibility
          - Today's Tours
          - Food & Drink
          - Calendar
          - Downloadable Map

Get Involved
          - Donate
          - Membership
          - Volunteer
          - Opportunities
          - Shop Online

Resources
          - Search the Collection
          - Conservation
          - Library
          - Archives
          - The Center
          - Film Programs
          - Music Programs
          - Audio/Video
          - Open Access Images

Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily

**West Building**6th St and Constitution Ave NW*Enter or exit from Constitution Avenue, 4th Street, or 7th Street. The Madison Drive entrance is currently closed.*

**East Building**4th St and Constitution Ave NW*Enter and exit from 4th Street.*

**Sculpture Garden**7th St and Constitution Ave NW*Enter and exit from 7th Street, Constitution Avenue, or Madison Drive.*

We are closed on December 25 and January 1.

*The National Gallery of Art serves the nation by welcoming all people to explore and experience art, creativity, and our shared humanity.*

          -  Twitter 
          -  Facebook 
          -  Instagram 
          -  Pinterest 
          -  YouTube 

© 2024 National Gallery of Art   Notices   Terms of Use   Privacy Policy