What do Leonardo da Vinci, Botticelli, Monet, and Caravaggio have in common? Their paintings illuminate the halls of the National Gallery in London, one of the world’s premier art institutions. Established in 1824 with just 38 paintings, purchased from the banker John Julius Angerstein’s private collection, the gallery now houses over 2,300 iconic works spanning 700 years of Western European art. Conveniently located in Trafalgar Square, the gallery is free to visit and attracts millions each year. Its collection covers movements from the Italian Renaissance to Impressionism, offering something for everyone. However, with so much to see, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Our carefully curated guide to 13 must-see National Gallery paintings will help you navigate the gallery’s highlights, ensuring an unforgettable experience in London.
Top 13 Highlights in the National Gallery in London
From the delicate strokes of Raphael and Titian to the bold colours of Van Gogh, the National Gallery offers a visual feast for art lovers. Don’t miss these celebrated works that have captivated visitors for generations.
1. The Virgin of the Rocks by Leonardo da Vinci
Among the famous paintings in the National Gallery in London, The Virgin of the Rocks by Leonardo da Vinci holds a special place. With fewer than twenty paintings attributed to Leonardo, each is a masterpiece of extraordinary significance.
This second version of Virgin of the Rocks was created after Leonardo sold the first version (now in the Louvre) following a disagreement over payment for the first one. Commissioned in 1483 for the Church of San Francesco Grande in Milan, this painting was originally part of a grand altarpiece. It portrays the Virgin Mary, the Christ Child, Saint John the Baptist, and an angel, surrounded by a rocky, mystical landscape. Unlike the Louvre version, the London painting includes halos, giving the figures a divine aura. The harmonious pyramid arrangement and detailed plants add depth and beauty.
In 1880, the National Gallery purchased this masterpiece from the Earl of Suffolk for 9,000 guineas (£9,450). At the time, its condition was poor, and some doubted Leonardo’s authorship. Recent restorations and close examination have since confirmed that most of the work is by Leonardo. However, some details, like the flowers, were likely done by his assistants.
GOOD TO KNOW:
You’ll find this masterpiece waiting for you in Room 9.
2. Venus and Mars by Sandro Botticelli
Sandro Botticelli, one of the greatest painters of the early Renaissance period in Florence, painted only a few mythological subjects. However, these works are among his most famous. One notable piece is Venus and Mars, housed in the National Gallery in London. This smaller painting, much more compact than Botticelli’s mythological masterpieces like Primavera or The Birth of Venus, both displayed in Florence’s Uffizi Gallery, still captures everyone’s attention with its charm and detail.
Painted around 1485, this panel was likely created as a wedding gift and designed to decorate a couple’s home. It masterfully blends themes of sensuality, light humour, and mythology. In the scene, Venus, the serene goddess of love, watches over Mars, the god of war, who snoozes after their romantic encounter. Meanwhile, baby satyrs playfully steal his armour, and wasps hover around his head. The wasps may symbolize the sting of love – or they might honour Botticelli’s wealthy neighbours. The Vespucci name means ‘little wasps’ in Italian, and their coat of arms even included this buzzing insect.
Look closer, and you’ll see more layers: Venus’s face resembles Simonetta Vespucci, Florence’s most celebrated beauty and Botticelli’s muse – possibly even his great love. Though Simonetta died young, Botticelli immortalized her in his art. Were they lovers? Historians continue to debate, but Botticelli’s devotion to her is undeniable. He painted her often, even years after her death, and requested to be buried at her feet.
GOOD TO KNOW:
If you’re looking for this masterpiece, go to Rooms C-F and discover Medieval & Renaissance paintings.
3. The Supper at Emmaus by Caravaggio
Can you spot the secret symbols?
Caravaggio’s The Supper at Emmaus isn’t your typical 17th-century painting. Displayed in the National Gallery in London, it’s one of Caravaggio’s boldest paintings and one of the UK’s greatest treasures. In this artwork, Caravaggio takes a familiar biblical story and portrays it in a shockingly realistic way. The painting depicts the exact moment Christ reveals himself to two disciples after his resurrection. The scene shows the stunned reaction of the disciples as they realise they are dining not with a stranger but with Jesus. One disciple flings his arms wide in disbelief, while the other grips his chair in stunned amazement. Their raw, theatrical gestures feel immediate and alive.
BREAKING THE RULES OF TRADITION:
The Supper at Emmaus isn’t just a painting; it’s a moment frozen in time, full of drama, light, and symbolism. Created in 1601, this artwork stands out for its bold departure from tradition. Caravaggio breaks 17th-century norms by painting Christ without a beard, halo, or stigmata. It was an unusual choice for the time, which made the scene feel real and immediate. His use of light and shadows, Caravaggio’s trademark tenebrism, intensifies the drama. The painting draws your eyes to the intense expressions and exquisite still-life details on the table.
HIDDEN CHRISTIAN SYMBOLS:
If you look closely at the table, you’ll notice that the light captures every detail: the bread’s crust, and the shiny skin of the roasted chicken. You can also see the reflections in the wine glass. Every detail, from the fruit’s skin to the folds of torn clothing, has a deeper meaning. The table holds symbols of faith: bread represents the Eucharist, white grapes symbolize water, and red grapes signify Christ’s sacrifice. The basket’s loose strands form the Ichthys, the ancient Christian fish symbol.
GOOD TO KNOW:
This incredible painting, which is one of the highlights of the National Gallery in London, is on display in Room 32.
TIP FOR ART LOVERS:
If you’re hungry for more, Caravaggio painted a second version of The Supper at Emmaus, now housed in Milan’s Brera Museum. Compare the two and discover how his style evolved over time.
4. The Arnolfini Portrait by Jan van Eyck
In 1434, Jan van Eyck painted The Arnolfini Portrait, a masterpiece that remains both beautiful and deeply mysterious. It depicts an Italian merchant, Giovanni di Nicolao Arnolfini, and his wife, standing in their home in Bruges. This work is a masterpiece of the Early Renaissance and one of the most famous paintings in the National Gallery, London. It’s also considered one of the most original and complex paintings in Western art.
Jan van Eyck’s attention to detail is extraordinary. The painting dates to 1434—a very early moment in the Renaissance, even before Botticelli’s birth. Van Eyck’s mastery of oil painting gives this work its vibrant colour and extraordinary realism.
A STORY IN EVERY DETAIL:
This double portrait is filled with symbols. Every detail in the painting carries meaning. The couple’s rich clothing, the ornate brass chandelier, a luxurious Oriental carpet, and the carefully carved furnishings show their wealth. The tiny dog at their feet represents loyalty or perhaps hints at their wish for children. The wife’s position near the bed symbolizes her domestic role. Even the fruit on the windowsill has meaning—it suggests fertility and prosperity.
The mirror at the back is one of the painting’s most fascinating elements. It reflects two figures, one of whom might be van Eyck himself, subtly expanding the viewer’s perspective. Around the mirror, tiny painted scenes from Christ’s Passion hint at themes of faith and salvation. This portrait is more than a painting; it’s a window into 15th-century life and a testament to van Eyck’s mastery.
GOOD TO KNOW:
The Arnolfini Portrait is one of the highlights of the National Gallery in London. You’ll find this masterpiece waiting for you in Room 15.
5. An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump by Joseph Wright of Derby
Joseph Wright of Derby’s An Experiment on a Bird in the Air Pump (1768) is a painting like no other. This masterpiece doesn’t just show a moment—it draws you into it. Considered one of the most dramatic paintings in the National Gallery in London, it explores emotion, science, life, and the cost of discovery.
THE EXPERIMENT
Lit by the soft glow of a single candle, the scene depicts a scientist recreating Robert Boyle’s famous vacuum experiment. Inside the glass, a live bird struggles for air as the scientist draws the oxygen out. The setting, a domestic place with a visible door and window, reminds us this isn’t just a scientific laboratory. Instead, it’s a home, where people gather late at night to learn, observe, and even find entertainment in the unfolding drama.
THE DRAMA UNFOLDS
The bird struggles for air in a glass jar and emotions run high. Around him, people respond differently: some watch with fascination, while others are distressed.
- THE YOUNG GIRLS: On the left, a little girl clutches her sister’s dress, her face is full of worry. The older girl turns away, burying her face in their father’s chest. You can almost hear the girl’s quiet sobs and sense the father’s mixed response. He doesn’t comfort them but gestures at the experiment, perhaps saying: “Look. Learn. This is nature.” He seems intent on teaching a lesson about life and science.
- THE BOY: On the right, a young boy leans forward with fascination. His gaze reveals pure curiosity, focused on the mechanics of the experiment rather than the bird’s distress.
- THE COUPLE IN LOVE: At the far left, a young couple seems lost in their own private world. Their indifference stands in contrast to the tension in the room.
- THE TIMEKEEPER: A young gentleman on the right calmly holds a pocket watch, perhaps timing how long the bird has left. He is not reacting like the girls but reflects 18th-century ideals of rationality, where emotion was often secondary to reason.
- THE SCIENTIST: At the centre, the natural philosopher gazes directly at the viewer. Should the experiment continue, or should the bird be saved?
MORE THAN JUST A BIRD
This painting is far more than an experiment on a bird. It is a symbol of transition, a reflection of a changing world. The Enlightenment, a groundbreaking intellectual movement from 17th to 19th century, brought progress and scientific discovery. It brought new knowledge and forced people to question their traditional beliefs and morals. The painting raises tough questions: How far should we go in the name of discovery? What is the cost of progress?
GOOD TO KNOW:
Don’t miss this famous artwork in Room 34.
Don’t forget to bookmark this post about the National Gallery London highlights so you can quickly find it when visiting this famous gallery.
6. The Execution of Lady Jane Grey by Paul Delaroche
Paul Delaroche’s The Execution of Lady Jane Grey pulls you into one of history’s most heart-wrenching moments. This 1833 masterpiece plunges you into the final seconds of a young queen’s life – a girl who was only 17.
A HEARTBREAKING SCENE:
Lady Jane kneels in a darkened, enclosed space, blindfolded and reaching out the execution block. Her pale, youthful face contrasts sharply with the dull tones around her. A man gently guides her hand, while the executioner stands silent, axe in hand. Behind her, two women collapse in mourning women, overwhelmed by grief. The setting’s deep shadows and theatrical lighting amplify the emotional weight, transforming this historical moment into a haunting visual experience.
Delaroche deliberately chose an indoor setting, ignoring the historical Tower Green location, where Jane’s execution occurred. By doing so, he heightened the psychological drama, focusing on the tragedy rather than historical accuracy. This painting is more than a historical record of events—it’s a deeply personal portrayal of betrayal, innocence, and the cost of ambition.
WHO WAS THIS TRAGIC QUEEN?
Lady Jane Grey became queen at just 16 in July 1553 after the death of King Edward VI. Her reign, manipulated by powerful political players, lasted only nine days before Mary I reclaimed the crown. Jane, accused of high treason, was imprisoned in the Tower of London and executed in February 1554.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Head to Room 38 to see this world-famous artwork.
7. The Rokeby Venus by Diego Velazquez
Velázquez’s bold and mysterious creation: The Rokeby Venus
The Rokeby Venus is one of the most daring and mysterious paintings in the National Gallery in London. This isn’t just any nude—it’s the only surviving female nude by Diego Velázquez, Spain’s most celebrated 17th-century painter. Art records mention three others, but they have vanished, making this one-of-a-kind masterpiece even more precious. But it gets better: we don’t know exactly when, where, or for whom it was painted. All we know is that it dates between 1647 and 1651, and continues to raise questions centuries later.
DETAILS TO NOTICE:
The painting captures Venus reclining gracefully on her bed. Her back faces the viewer, an unusual perspective that emphasizes her soft curves and elegance. Your eyes follow the line of her hips, up her spine, to her shoulders, where the folds of a white fabric add texture and movement to the scene. Her son, Cupid, the winged god of love, holds a mirror angled toward her face. The reflection is blurred, almost teasing, leaving us to wonder if she’s gazing at herself or meeting our eyes. Details such as the blush on her cheeks and her modern hairstyle make her feel both real and timeless—a goddess and a woman at once.
WHY IT MATTERS:
The Rokeby Venus breaks the rules of its time. In 17th-century Spain, painting nudes was extremely rare and dangerous. The Inquisition policed morality, and artists could face severe punishment. Yet Velázquez dared to paint this nude, blending sensuality with mythological themes to create something timeless. This painting survived censorship, an attack by a suffragette in 1914, and centuries of shifting tastes. Widely regarded as one of the most famous nude paintings in the United Kingdom, it stands as a testament to Velázquez’s genius and bravery, and it continues to captivate audiences to this day.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Room 30 is the place to find this iconic masterpiece, which is one of the highlights of the National Gallery in London.
8. Bacchus and Ariadne by Titian
How does one paint love at first sight? Titian answered that question brilliantly in Bacchus and Ariadne.
Imagine falling in love so hard you leap from a moving chariot, pulled by cheetahs. That’s what Bacchus, the god of wine, does in this masterpiece, painted between 1522 and 1523.
ARTISTIC INNOVATION:
Titian, one of the most celebrated painters of the Venetian Renaissance, created Bacchus and Ariadne in his early thirties. Though young, he was already showing extraordinary talent for capturing human emotion and mythological drama. He was ambitious and determined to prove himself. His dynamic storytelling, bold use of colour, and unmatched skill in capturing human emotion and mythological drama set him apart. This painting reflects his ambition to rival the greatest artists of his time and establish himself as a master of large-scale mythological works. This oil painting has become one of Titian’s most celebrated works.
A COMMISSION WITH A TWIST:
The Duke of Ferrara, Alfonso I d’Este, commissioned Bacchus and Ariadne as part of a series for his private Camerino d’Alabastro—a room decorated with mythological paintings inspired by classical texts. The project was originally assigned to Raphael, who received an advance payment but completed only a preliminary sketch before his sudden death in 1520. The project passed to Titian, who drew inspiration from Roman poets like Catullus and Ovid, and perhaps other classical poets to bring the myth to life.
ABOUT THE PAINTING:
The scene portrays Ariadne, abandoned by Theseus on the island of Naxos. Her anguish is palpable as she watches his ship sail away in the background. Bacchus, the god of wine, bursts into the scene from the right, leading a procession of followers, including satyrs, nymphs, and a drunken Silenus. Overcome by love at first sight, Bacchus leaps from his chariot, drawn by two exotic cheetahs, in a dramatic and almost awkward jump. Ariadne’s initial fear is evident, but the stars above her head—the constellation Corona Borealis—symbolize her eventual transformation into a goddess.
The painting’s vibrant colours, such as Ariadne’s deep blue robe and Bacchus’s glowing red cloak, bring the myth to life. Titian’s attention to detail immerses viewers in the story’s drama. Titian’s Bacchus and Ariadne, now at the National Gallery in London is often regarded as the ultimate depiction of love at first sight.
His attention to detail, such as the cheetahs and the expressive figures, shows his dedication to bringing ancient stories to life for a contemporary audience.
A REVOLUTIONARY APPROACH:
Titian achieved something groundbreaking. At a time when artists sought to blend classical literary sources with contemporary art, Titian excelled by using vivid colours, emotional depth, and lifelike movement. His ability to reinterpret ancient mythology for a Renaissance audience, without losing its dramatic power, elevated this genre to new heights. The series of paintings to which it belongs—including works by Giovanni Bellini and other pieces by Titian—marked a pivotal moment in art history, influencing generations of artists.
GOOD TO KNOW:
You’ll find this masterpiece waiting for you in Room 29.
9. Portrait of Pope Julius II by Raphael
Julius II: The pope who rebuilt the city
Julius II wasn’t your ordinary pope. He was a warrior, an art lover, and a visionary. During his reign, he turned Rome into the cultural capital of Europe. He oversaw the city’s transformation, commissioning some of the greatest works of the Renaissance. He was the patron behind Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel ceiling, Bramante’s St. Peter’s Basilica, and Raphael’s frescoes in the papal apartments. Julius wanted his legacy to live forever, and Raphael’s Portrait of Pope Julius II helped achieve that.
A REVOLUTIONARY PORTRAIT
Raphael painted Julius II between 1511 and 1512, breaking all conventions of papal portraits. This isn’t just a portrait—it’s a revolution in how we see power. Raphael masterfully captures both strength and vulnerability, creating one of the most intimate papal portraits in history. Instead of the stiff, emotionless figures of the past, Julius II is shown lost in thought, gripping his chair as if wrestling with inner turmoil.
The pope sits in a high-backed chair, dressed in a red velvet mozzetta and a white cassock, with a velvet cap resting on his head. His right hand grips the armrest, its veins detailed with striking precision. Raphael’s technique in oil painting adds lifelike texture, from the flowing folds of fabric to the detailed shadows around his face.
This isn’t a man revelling in power; it’s a leader weighed down by loss. Julius II had just lost Bologna in a bitter war, and his mourning beard symbolizes his grief. Even the background speaks volumes. The dark green damask curtain adds depth, highlighting his sombre mood. This mix of power and vulnerability made the painting groundbreaking, setting the standard for papal portraits for centuries. Raphael’s innovations—combining psychological insight with technical brilliance—set the standard for papal portraits for centuries.
THE ORIGINAL AMONG MANY:
Many versions of this painting exist, but the one in London’s National Gallery is the original. For years, scholars debated its authenticity, with some believing the Uffizi version was the prime work. Today, experts agree that the London version is Raphael’s masterpiece. This painting set a new standard, showing leaders as human beings. Raphael’s masterpiece blends power and vulnerability, influencing papal portraits for centuries.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Discover this famous artwork in Room 11.
10. The Ambassadors by Hans Holbein the Younger
In 1533, Hans Holbein the Younger created an extraordinary painting: The Ambassadors. Painted during the Tudor period -the same year Elizabeth I was born-it portrays two prominent figures: Jean de Dinteville, the French ambassador, and Georges de Selve, the bishop of Lavaur. This stunning double portrait of men in the finest clothes is famous for its unmatched details and hidden secrets. It reflects the wealth, knowledge, and fragility of human life.
THE UNMATCHED DETAILS:
Holbein’s attention to detail is astonishing. The fur on Jean’s robe looks so real you could almost feel it. Georges’ hat sits perfectly on his head and you could count each individually painted hair on his face. He even captured the intricate folds in their clothing and the shimmering pattern of the marble floor beneath their feet. The polished globe and gleaming scientific instruments also almost seem touchable. Every thread in the oriental carpet covering the table appears real enough to touch. Even a dagger’s sheath shows signs of age on Jean.
HIDDEN SKULL AND THE CURTAIN OF HOPE:
At first glance, the painting seems like a celebration of wealth and intellect. But a closer look reveals something shocking – an unusual smear at the bottom of the painting. View it from the side, and it transforms into a human skull when viewed from the right angle. This optical illusion, called anamorphosis, is a brilliant reminder of mortality. Look even closer, and you’ll notice a tiny crucifix peeking out from behind a curtain. Holbein masterfully weaves messages of mortality and salvation into this grand portrait, making The Ambassadors one of history’s most thought-provoking works.
GOOD TO KNOW:
Room 12 houses this legendary artwork, which is one of the highlights of the National Gallery in London.
11. Self Portrait at the Age of 34 by Rembrandt
Rembrandt’s Most Ambitious Self-Portrait. The details in this painting are extraordinary.
In 1640, at just 34 years old, Rembrandt painted himself as a man of confidence, wealth, and success. Self Portrait at the Age of 34 shows the artist at the peak of his career. Rather than depicting himself as a simple craftsman, Rembrandt, one of Amsterdam’s most celebrated painters, chose to portray himself as a Renaissance gentleman. He presents himself in the luxurious clothes of the early 1500s.
INSPIRED BY LEGENDS
This remarkable self-portrait reflects Rembrandt’s ambition and his role as one of Amsterdam’s most celebrated painters. His pose directly references two iconic paintings: Raphael’s Portrait of Baldassare Castiglione and Titian’s Man with a Quilted Sleeve. By adopting these famous poses, Rembrandt boldly declared that artists were the equals of poets, thinkers, and nobility.
His fur-trimmed cloak, velvet attire, and hat adorned with jewels reinforce his claim to higher social status. The choice of early 1500s fashion, though out of step with his 17th-century context, was deliberate—it connected him to the Renaissance, the golden age of art. This self-portrait isn’t just a depiction of Rembrandt’s appearance; it’s a declaration of his belief that painters deserved respect and recognition. For a 17th-century artist, this was a bold and revolutionary statement.
A Man with a Quilted Sleeve by Titian
12. Rain, Steam, and Speed : The Great Western Railway by J. M. W. Turner
Imagine capturing the unstoppable force of a train rushing towards you—not with a photo, but with a brush. That’s exactly what English Romantic painter, J. M. W. Turner, achieved in this iconic painting. Painted in 1844, this revolutionary work captures the force of industrial progress, blending nature and technology into a breathtaking vision of the Victorian age.
WHY TURNER PAINTED THE TRAIN:
Turner created this painting at the end of the Industrial Revolution when Britain was transforming into a global industrial powerhouse. The country had shifted from a farming economy to one powered by machines, and the railway became a symbol of this progress. Turner was fascinated by change and wasn’t afraid to paint the modern world. While other artists ignored industrialization and stayed in the comfort of landscapes and portraits, Turner saw it as a symbol of the future. The railway reshaped society in the Victorian era, and he saw it as a symbol of progress, a worthy subject of art. The Great Western Railway was a significant part of a new era, and Turner declared its crucial role in the modern world.
A CLOSER LOOK:
The painting shows a train racing over Maidenhead Railway Bridge, designed by the legendary engineer Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Steam mixes with rain, blurring the boundary between nature and machine. The train’s movement feels unstoppable, its speed painted with bold, swirling strokes. On the left, a small boat glides along the river, almost lost in the mist. The train’s smoke puffs into the distance, leaving the countryside in admiration of its power. The steam, the speed, and the unstoppable force of technology dominate the painting. Turner’s painting shows how progress changes everything. It’s not just about the train, it’s about how machines reshaped the world.
GOOD TO KNOW:
If you’re looking for this artwork, go to Room 34.
13. Bathers at Asnières by Georges Seurat
Have you ever heard of a 24-year-old who rewrote art history? Georges Seurat did just that with Bathers at Asnières.
When Georges Seurat painted Bathers at Asnières, he turned this everyday scene into something revolutionary. A painting made of tiny dots changed the art world forever. This 1884 masterpiece is one of Seurat’s first monumental-scale works, created when he was barely out of his teens. Today, it hangs proudly in the National Gallery, but during his lifetime, it puzzled critics and was rejected by the Paris Salon.
A CASUAL SCENE THAT SHOOK THE ART WORLD
Seurat introduced the world to his revolutionary technique known as Pointillism. This painstaking method involves arranging thousands of tiny coloured dots in such way that your eyes blend them into a vibrant scene. The accumulation of these dots creates an image so realistic that you can feel the heat of the summer day. It’s a revolution on canvas.
Instead of grand scenes with Napoleon or kings, Seurat gives us a suburban riverside. The painting shows ordinary working-class people relaxing in the sun along the Seine. Clothes are piled on the riverbank, and factory buildings linger in the gaze. No one looks at us: they all gaze sideways at something beyond the frame, making us wonder what caught their attention. This snapshot-like composition and its monumental size make it both timeless and modern. It makes us feel like accidental spectators. Though overlooked in his lifetime, Seurat’s work now stands as a testament to the beauty of the everyday.
GOOD TO KNOW:
You’ll find this artwork waiting for you in Room 43.
Now you know what the most famous paintings in the National Gallery in London are!
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