Inspired by... Caravaggio
Charles Saumarez Smith, Director of the National Gallery
Select a location from the map to find out more about the artworks
Charles Saumarez Smith
Charles Saumarez Smith was appointed director of the National Gallery in 2003. His previous posts have included director of the National Portrait Gallery (1994 to 2002) and head of research at the Victoria and Albert Museum.
He more than doubled visitor figures at the National Portrait Gallery by staging exhibitions by contemporary artists such as the fashion photographer Mario Testino.
He has also appeared as panellist on Newsnight Review.
1. Diego Velázquez
An Old Woman Cooking Eggs (1618)
Oil on canvas
100.50 x 119.50 cm
National Gallery of Scotland
Currently on show at the National Gallery, London
External links:
National Gallery of Scotland Velázquez exhibition at the National Gallery Diego Velazquez (Wikipedia)
2. Matthias Stom
Issac Blessing Jacob (circa 1600 - 1650)
Oil on canvas
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts
University of Birmingham
External links:
The Barber Institute of Fine Arts
3. Gilbert and George
In the Piss (1997)
Photo-piece of nine panels
226 x 190 cm
National Portrait Gallery
Artwork shown in this video contains nudity
External links:
National Portrait Gallery Gilbert and George
4. Diego Velazquez
Christ in the House of Martha and Mary (probably 1618)
Oil on canvas
60 x 103.5 cm
National Gallery
External links:
The National Gallery Diego Valazquez (Wikipedia)
5. Rembrandt van Rijn
Belshazzar's Feast (about 1635)
Oil on canvas
167.6 x 209.2 cm
National Gallery
External links:
The National Gallery Rembrandt van Rijn (Wikipedia)
Caravaggios in the UK
Caravaggio
Boy bitten by a Lizard (1595-1600)
Oil on canvas
66 x 49.5 cm
National Gallery
Caravaggio
Salome receives the Head of Saint John the Baptist (1607-1610)
Oil on canvas
91.5 x 106.7 cm
National Gallery
Caravaggio
The Supper at Emmaus (1601)
Oil and egg tempera on canvas
141 x 196.2 cm
National Gallery
External links:
The National Gallery Caravaggio (Wikipedia)