A National Martyr

The execution of Matija Gubec in front of St. Mark's Church in Zagreb (1905) by the Croatian painter Oton Iveković (1869-1939). Matija Gubec was a leader of the Croatian-Slovenian peasant revolt 1573 and became later a symbol for the indepence movement in Croatia.

Voluptuous Prisoners

Captured (1938) by the great Australian artist Norman Lindsay (1879-1969). Lindsay who is probably best known for his erotic artwork shows here a bunch of pirates with their prisoners: two voluptous women who didn't look afraid at all. History serves here more as a costume.

Emperor Maximilian

Emperor Maximilian mustering his troops by the Austrian artist Maximilian Liebenwein (1869-1926). Despite beeing a typical Art Nouveau painting the influence of the Renaissance engravings by Dürer or Holbein is obvious.

Dramatic Death

The Death of Gian Maria Visconti by the Italian painter  Ludovico Pogliaghi (1857-1950). Pogliaghi depicted here an episode of the local history of Milan, where the young Duke was murdered in front of a church in 1412. The cruel intrigues and fights for power in Renaissance Italy are converted to a kind of romantic Romeo and Juliet scenery.

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).