British

British art has a long and varied history, spanning centuries and producing numerous artistic movements and major artists. From prehistoric rock art to the work of contemporary artists, Britain has seen an impressive variety of styles, techniques and cultural influences.

Prehistoric art in Britain includes a wealth of rock carvings, burial mounds and megalithic monuments such as Stonehenge. These early works of art provide an insight into the beliefs, rituals and way of life of the people who lived in the region thousands of years ago.

During the Middle Ages, British art was closely linked to religious architecture and art production. Gothic cathedrals such as Westminster Abbey and York Minster bear witness to the splendor and detail of medieval architecture. Medieval painting and illuminations, such as the illuminations of the Book of Kells, are also remarkable examples of the art of this period.

During the Tudor and Stuart eras, British art flourished, characterized by royal patronage and the influence of the Renaissance. Portrait painting was particularly popular, with artists such as Hans Holbein the Younger and Anthony van Dyck creating important works. Architectural masterpieces such as Hampton Court Palace and the Banqueting House in London were created during this period.

The Georgian Age produced a period of prosperity and elegance in British art, with artists such as Joshua Reynolds and Thomas Gainsborough making significant contributions. Romanticism, a cultural movement of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, emphasized the emotions, nature and the individual. Artists such as William Blake and J.M.W. Turner were leading exponents of Romantic art in Britain.

The Victorian era produced a variety of artistic movements, including the Pre-Raphaelites, a group of artists who advocated a return to nature and perfection in craftsmanship. Artists such as Dante Gabriel Rossetti and John Everett Millais created works of great beauty and symbolism that heralded a renaissance in British art.

The 20th century brought a period of change and experimentation to the British art scene, with artists such as Francis Bacon, Henry Moore and David Hockney breaking new ground in painting, sculpture and photography. The British Art Movement of the 1960s, with artists such as Damien Hirst and Tracey Emin, ushered in a new era of conceptual art and artistic expression.