Paintings in depth

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

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Heroine of Trafalgar: The Fighting Temeraire

Find out about Turner's celebrated depiction of the last voyage of an old war hero - The Fighting Temeraire.
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How to spot a Raphael

Discover how the National Gallery was able to identify 'The Madonna of the Pinks' as a work by Raphael.
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Mysterious Virgin

Learn about the secrets that lie behind a Renaissance masterpiece: Leonardo's 'Virgin of the Rocks'.
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Paintings in depth: Diana and Actaeon

Find out about the commission, the story and the painting.
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Sunflowers: symbols of happiness

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

Learn how the adventures of young aristocrats had a lasting impact on the National Gallery Collection.
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The hidden Leonardo

Uncover the hidden painting behind one of the most celebrated masterpieces at the Gallery, Leonardo's 'The Virgin of the Rocks'.
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The real Madame de Pompadour

Find out about the powerful woman depicted in Drouais's portrait: Louis XV's most powerful courtesan, Madame de Pompadour