Route ·
A painting catches the action
Follow a stolen arrow, a mistaken identity, a dangerous choice and a moment of recognition. Six paintings use bodies, hands and expressions to make a story happen in front of you.
National Gallery / Your next move
Bring this chapter to life.
Keep exploring National Gallery with our travel partners.
The visit begins with Bronzino in Room 2, continues through two Venetian stories and a myth painted by Rubens, then ends with two works by Caravaggio in Room 32. Religious and classical stories are explained beside the visible action.
The classical and biblical figures are introduced as you meet them. This visit includes an explicit image of Venus and Cupid and a severed head in the final painting. Allow 75–105 minutes, including the longer walk from Room 18 to Room 32.
Photo gallery 1
Image credits
- xiquinhosilva · Central Hall, National Gallery.jpg · CC BY 2.0 · WebP / AVIF
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/bryansjs · Entrance hall of the National Gallery, looking north.jpg · CC BY-SA 2.0 · WebP / AVIF
- https://www.flickr.com/photos/bryansjs · Entrance hall of the National Gallery, looking south.jpg · CC BY-SA 2.0 · WebP / AVIF
- Diego Delso · Bóveda de la sala 36, Galería Nacional, Londres, Inglaterra, 2014-08-11, DD 165-167 HDR.JPG · CC BY-SA 4.0 · WebP / AVIF
- Philafrenzy · National Gallery Sainsbury Wing staircase.jpg · CC0 · WebP / AVIF