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Articles

Charles I

Inside the Academy

5 months ago

10 highlights of our 250th year

2018 was a big year for the RA. We turned 250, united our two buildings on Piccadilly and Burlington Gardens, and held the most provocative Summer Exhibition yet. Oh, and did we mention The Duchess of Sussex dropped by?
Tom Shakespeare

RA Exhibitions

1 year ago

We need to talk about Charles I’s “pet dwarf”

With a portrait of “The Queen’s Dwarf” on display at the RA, Tom Shakespeare argues we need to look beyond the painting’s spectacle to consider the person it’s depicting – and the uncomfortable truths it still carries today.
Anthony van Dyck, Henrietta Maria with Sir Jeffrey Hudson (detail)

RA Exhibitions

1 year ago

Henrietta Maria: the queen behind Charles I’s collection

Charles I might have had a keen eye for art, but his queen’s eye was sharper and far more sophisticated. With the couple’s extraordinary art collection currently on display at the RA, the consort’s biographer Erin Griffey explores her life, style and legacy.
Artemisia Gentileschi, Allegory of Painting (detail)

RA Exhibitions

1 year ago

Video: Artemisia Gentileschi in 60 seconds

Tim Marlow gives a quick introduction to Artemisia Gentileschi, one of very few women who carved out a career in the 17th-century art world.

Artists

1 year ago

Family how-to: photograph, paint or collage a portrait

Be inspired by a painting of Queen Henrietta Maria and make art about the ladies in your life! Try our two activities: print out and paint a portrait or collage the pieces of a portrait puzzle.
Graham Swift

RA Exhibitions

1 year ago

Event recording: short stories with Pin Drop and Graham Swift

Catch up on an evening of short stories told by Man Booker Prize-winning author Graham Swift.
Installation view of 'Charles I: King and Collector' exhibition at the Royal Academy of Arts, London (27 January – 15 April 2018)

RA Exhibitions

> 1 year ago

Video: Van Dyck in 60 seconds

With our Charles I exhibition celebrating the monarch’s extraordinary art collection, we take a closer look at one of his favourite painters – the Baroque superstar Anthony van Dyck.
Anthony van Dyck, Charles I in the Hunting Field (detail)

RA Exhibitions

> 1 year ago

Podcast round-up – Charles I: King and Collector

Catch up with recordings of events surrounding our exhibition reuniting the extraordinary art collection of Charles I.
Anthony van Dyck, Charles I and Henrietta Maria Holding a Laurel Wreath (detail)

RA Exhibitions

> 1 year ago

Princes and painters: a who’s who of Charles I’s court

Before you visit our blockbuster ‘Charles I’ exhibition, refresh your knowledge of Stuart history with our introduction to all the major players surrounding the King, matching up big names with impeccably painted faces.

The interior of the Print Room of the Royal Library at Windsor, with Hans Holbein's chalk drawing 'Sir John More' (c. 1526–27) on display

RA Exhibitions

> 1 year ago

Video: a close-up look at Charles I’s Holbein drawings

As the RA prepares to show the great works of Charles I’s art collection, we go behind the scenes at Windsor Castle to see some rarely-shown Holbein drawings that are coming to the exhibition.
Anthony van Dyck, Charles I in the Hunting Field (detail)

RA Exhibitions

> 1 year ago

The life of Charles I: King, collector, tastemaker, traitor

Political turmoil in 17th-century Europe threw up exciting pickings for Charles I’s art collection. But after a civil war that led to his execution, his masterpieces were dispersed across the globe. Here, Jenny Uglow introduces our show finally reuniting the king’s treasures.

RA Exhibitions

> 1 year ago

Introducing 2018 at the Royal Academy of Arts

Next year’s exhibitions will take us from a legendary British collection to the far seas of the South Pacific, and from centuries past to a glimpse into the future of art. The RA’s Artistic Director introduces the programme for our 250th anniversary year.
Peter Paul Rubens and Jan Brueghel the Elder, Pan and Syrinx

RA Exhibitions

4 years ago

Five masters who looked to Rubens

Rubens was one of the most influential artists of all time. Here, we profile his relationship with five major artists that came after him.
Peter Paul Rubens, The Triumph of Henri IV

RA Exhibitions

> 4 years ago

Peter Paul Rubens: a beginner’s guide

The influence of the Flemish Baroque master can be seen across art history, from the portraits of Van Dyck to the prints of Picasso. Here’s a quick intro to “the prince of painters”.