Stanley-Berkeley

Stanley Berkeley's paintings exude exactly this triumphant mood. He focused on realistic depictions of famous battles and war scenes, but also produced paintings of sporting events. His paintings are always in the middle of the action: The people in them are running and fighting, shouting in victory or fear, chasing each other across the canvases. Horses race into a line of soldiers at full gallop, or rear up to throw off their riders. Officers stretch their sabers to the sky, cheering on their troops. Every inch of the way, something dramatic and moving is happening. Berkeley's military paintings are his most famous works because they reflected the spirit of England's times. The public shared his fascination with significant moments in British history, especially the scenes from which England emerged glorious. Having been a soldier himself, Berkeley understood this subject matter well, and was able to bring it to the public.