The Picture Gallery

A spectacular art gallery showcasing masterpieces from the Royal Collection

Length

47 meters (154 feet)

Collection

Over 7,000 artworks

The Picture Gallery showcasing Royal Collection masterpieces

About The Picture Gallery

The Picture Gallery at Buckingham Palace is a masterpiece of architectural design and artistic excellence. Stretching 47 meters in length, this top-lit gallery was specifically designed to showcase some of the finest paintings from the Royal Collection, one of the world's most important art collections.

The gallery's innovative design, with its natural lighting from above, creates the perfect environment for viewing priceless works of art. The space was created during the palace's expansion in the 19th century, reflecting the growing importance of art in royal life and the desire to display these treasures appropriately.

Today, the Picture Gallery remains a testament to the enduring legacy of royal patronage and the preservation of artistic heritage. It represents the culmination of centuries of collecting by British monarchs and their appreciation for the finest achievements in Western art.

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Royal Collection masterpieces in the Picture Gallery

Masterpieces & Featured Artists

Peter Paul Rubens

The gallery features several works by the Flemish master, including his dramatic and dynamic compositions that exemplify the Baroque style and the artist's mastery of color and movement.

Rembrandt van Rijn

Dutch master Rembrandt's works in the collection demonstrate his exceptional skill in capturing human emotion, light, and shadow, showcasing the pinnacle of 17th-century portraiture.

Canaletto

The Venetian artist's precise architectural views of London and Venice capture the essence of 18th-century urban life and demonstrate his mastery of perspective and detail.

Anthony van Dyck

The court painter to Charles I created elegant portraits that defined the style of royal portraiture in England and influenced generations of artists who followed.

The Royal Collection Legacy

The Royal Collection has been amassed over centuries through royal patronage, inheritance, and acquisition. What began as personal collections of individual monarchs has evolved into one of the world's most comprehensive and important art collections, spanning over 7,000 paintings alone.

The Picture Gallery was specifically designed in the 19th century to provide an ideal setting for displaying these treasures. Its top-lit design ensures natural illumination that reveals the true colors and details of the artworks, while the architectural proportions create a harmonious viewing environment.

The collection represents the tastes and interests of generations of British monarchs, from the Renaissance masterpieces collected by the Tudors to the contemporary works acquired by modern royalty. Each piece tells a story not just of artistic achievement, but of cultural and historical significance.

Learn more about the Royal Collection

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