Claiming of a Hero

The surrender of Prince Guatemozin to Hernando Cortes by the  American painter Peter Frederick Rothermel (1817-1895). Rothermel shows here the last decisive vivtory of the Spanish conquistador and claims him as a predecessor of US-American history.
Cortez appears as a merciful forgiving victor. Maybe it should therfore be mentioned that Guatemozin was later tortured and executed.

More a Scientific Expedition

Bonaparte at the Pyramides by the French painter Maurice Orange (1867-1916). It's interesting that Orange didn't chose here the heroic military aspect of Napoleon's campaign to Egypt but the scientific exotic one.

Kindof Pin-Up

Plated by the Italian comic book writer and artist Milo Manara (born 1945). He shows here Joan of Arc the legendary The Maid of Orléans as kindof medieval pin-up.
Before someone argues against the decline of history painting he should perharps consider that many aknowledged 19th century painters did more or less the same.

History Lesson

The Moscow Kremlin by the Russian artist Apollinary Mikhaylovich Vasnetsov (1856-1933). Apollinary was the younger brother to the more famous Viktor Vasnetsov.  He specialized more in historical precise illustrations like this one showing the Kremlin in the 16th century.

Well Done Kitsch

Pompeian Lady by the British painter John William Godward (1861 –1922). The painting ist well done and reflects the newest historical knowledge about Roman architecture and clothing. Though it's above all a Victorian lady in a  well painted  Roman costume.

American Myth

The Nation Makers by the great American artist Howard Pyle (1853-1911). This cover illustration was done for the edition of Collier's Weekly June 2, 1906. It shows the battle torn American levies advancing bravely upon their British oppressors.

Painful Homecoming

Where is the lord, my king (1888) by the British painter Herbert Gustave Carmichael Schmalz (1856-1935). Schmalz depicts here a band of celtic warriors returning from a raid where they lost their king.  They have to answer to his widow who is effectively waiting with her two children.

Sweet Lady Godiva

Another interpretation of the popular legend of Lady Godiva by the British painter John Collier (1850-1934).

A Glorious Day

The Poles surrender the Moscow Kremlin to Prince Pozharsky in 1612 by the Russian painter Ernst-Johann Nicholas Ernestovich Lissner (1874-1941). The destructions give evidence about the heavy fighting as well as the numerous Polish soldiers now leaving Russia defeated.

Cheesy Middle Ages

The Hostage by the English painter Edmund Blair-Leighton (1853-1922). Blair-Leighton was famous for these cheesy scenes, still popular today.

A Severe Walk

Mary Stewart on the way to her execution by the British military painter Laslett John Pott (1837-1898). Pott shows a queen calmly facing death.

A Macabre Episode

The Cadaver Synod (1870) by the French painter Jean-Paul Laurens (1838-1921). Laurens shows here one of the most bizarre episodes  of the medieval history. In 897 a  posthumos trial was conducted against the dead Pope Formosus therefore removed from his tomb.