Masterworks of Victorian Art August 1, 2008

Great Britain transformed itself into a world power during the long reign of Queen Victoria 1837-1901, a golden age of peace and prosperity. The rise of new audiences, including wealthy businessmen and industrialists, opened the way for artists to move beyond the portraits and landscapes of the past to explore new subjects: vivid scenes from history and literature, mythology and religion, as well as views of on contemporary life.