Military art in focus at National Army museum exhibition

June 16, 2025 admin art, Exhibitions, militaria, military art

The National Army museum is to hold a long-term exhibition entitled Myth and Reality: Military Art in the Age of Queen Victoria showing over 140 works of art charting the changing attitudes to the military during the 19th century.

A painting of the battle of Waterloo — This scene was painted 80 years ago after the Battle of Waterloo. It confirmed Lady Butler’s status as one of the most significant battle artists of the 19th century. It also reflected the Victorian fascination with the Napoleonic Wars. Painted by Lady Butler. Oil on canvas. Purchased with assistance from The Art Fund National Army Museum.

The display will feature some of the most celebrated artists of the era, and will be the first dedicated art exhibition at the Museum in over five years. The exhibition will showcase the Museum’s extensive art collection to explore the relationship between Victorian military art and the real experiences of soldiers on the frontline.

During Queen Victoria’s reign, artists influenced the way British people thought about the army and its soldiers more than ever before. Throughout the exhibition there are works of art by soldiers documenting their service abroad. War artists and reporters were also eyewitnesses to military campaigns across the world and exhibitions were attended by huge crowds. Reproductions and affordable prints decorated homes across the country, shaping attitudes to the army’s role in a changing world.

A painting of a wounded guardsman soldier — The painting was created 20 years after the Crimean War (1854-56). While the public had seen many war images through prints and newspaper illustrations, rarely had the plight of soldiers been portrayed with such realism. The focus on the endurance and bravery of ordinary soldiers mirrored the public mood. It also reflected increasing awareness of the need for military reform, which had begun to take place when this painting was completed.Painted By Elizabeth Thompson (later Lady Butler),1874. Oil on board. Credit: National Army Museum

Taking four overarching themes: The Female Perspective, The Great Campaigns, Patriotism and Portraiture, and Realism and Reportage, highlights include the significant collection of 25 works by Elizabeth Thompson, Lady Butler, who rocketed to fame in the 19th century for her depictions of Waterloo and Crimea, as well as significant loans from the Royal Collection and National Portrait Gallery.

Susan Ward, Head of Art at the National Army Museum, said: “This is the first time the National Army Museum has brought together artworks from the Victorian era in their own special display. The exhibition space captures the feel of a 19th century art salon, and visitors will be immersed into the space as exhibition goers were during Queen Victoria’s reign. These images are not only powerful, but they also shaped how British people thought about the Army and its soldiers for many years to come. Through this exhibition we explore whether they were a true reflection of the reality of service.”

A painting entitled 'The Defence of Rorke’s Drift' by Elizabeth Southerden Butler, Lady Butler, — ‘Elizabeth Southerden Butler, Lady Butler, The Defence of Rorke’s Drift, 1879–1880. © Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025 | Royal Collection Trust.

Brigadier (Retired) Justin Maciejewski, DSO MBE, Director of the National Army Museum, said: ‘We are delighted to bring the National Army Museum’s extraordinary military art collection into the spotlight. This exhibition tells the story of a period of history when the Armed Forces were in action across the world, and brings it to life through artworks created on the frontline and at home. This was a time when the ordinary soldier’s experiences were highlighted as never before, which had a huge impact on both politicians and the public. The legacy of these artworks is still evident today.’

A watercolour of a soldier wrapped in a blanket in the Crimean War — Captain the Honourable William James Colville (1827 – 1903) served in the Rifle Brigade at Balaklava in the Crimean War (1854 – 1856). While on service, he completed a series of sketches to document his experiences. Painted by Captain William J Colville
From a watercolour. Credit: National Army Museum

With a rotating display every six months, ‘Myth and Reality’ will illuminate an era that saw great change in British society, with the art produced during this period influencing and mirroring a shift in the public’s attitudes to soldiers. No longer would Britain’s army be depicted through its generals and leaders alone. Instead, military painters evoked ordinary soldiers and their experiences.