Five Hundred Years of British Art

Five Hundred Years of British Art by Kirsteen McSwein offers a compelling glimpse into the treasures housed at Tate Britain, the home of British art from 1500 to the present day. This beautiful guide to the collection's highlights serves as an essential introduction to the extraordinary evolution of British art over the centuries, detailing the story of the collection and showcasing a selection of the stunning works on display.

British art is unique in its genres, such as the 'conversation pieces' — group portraits focusing on social relations between friends, family, and allies. Themes from British literature, particularly those by Shakespeare, Milton, and Tennyson, feature prominently, in contrast to classical mythology. Additionally, the artwork of the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries reflects topical subjects like the wars with France and the scientific innovations of the Industrial Revolution.

Hogarth pioneered an art of social engagement, a tradition continued by artists associated with the Young British Art movement. The art from Britain in Tate's collection is rich with imaginative invention and reinvention. This panoramic book celebrates this aesthetic ingenuity as an ongoing story, demonstrating how 500 years of art can offer a fascinating lens through which to deepen our understanding of ourselves and our society, both in the UK and globally.

This sumptuous companion to the Tate collection provides a comprehensive overview of the rich history of British art, designed to offer readers an insight into the remarkable range of art present within the collection.