The Death of the Sons of King Edward in the Tower

historical

Delaroche's early work consists mainly of subjects from the Old Testament, while later he chose subjects from French and English history. This work, taken from English history, led to an unusual development. Where other painters frequently worked from theatrical designs, the theatrical nature of this painting led to the image being put back on to the stage.

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The Death of the Sons of King Edward in the Tower

About the Artist

Paul Delaroche

1797 – 1856

French painter, one of the leading pupils of Gros. He achieved great popularity with his melodramatic history scenes, engravings of his work hanging in thousands of homes. Often he chose subjects from English history, as with two of his most famous works, The Little Princes in the Tower (Louvre, Paris, 1831) and The Execution of Lady Jane Grey (National Gallery, London, 1833). They are Romantic in flavour, but academically impeccable in their draughtsmanship and detailing. After a period when such pictures were totally out of favour, his work is once again being treated seriously.

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