The Princes in the Tower by Paul Delaroche, 1830
On view now at the National Gallery in London as part of the exhibition Painting History: Delaroche and Lady Jane Grey, this painting depicts "the sons of Edward IV who were placed in the Tower of London and then possibly murdered on the orders of Richard III, although
their exact fate remains unknown." The little dog is on alert as someone, perhaps their executioner, approaches the the door. Brilliant use of a dog to convey tension and tell the story, beautifully rendered from behind (not easy to do), too.
Read more about the rehabilitation of this French painter who was fascinated with royalty and violence at the Guardian.
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