Fighting History

Fighting History explores the enduring significance and emotional power of British history painting through the centuries. From vast eighteenth century allegorical paintings to contemporary installations reacting to recent political events, it examines how artists have chosen to capture and interpret the past.

In this elegantly designed hardback publication, three succinct texts address key themes in history painting, from the question of the shifting meanings of ‘history’ itself to an account of its most radical and inventive artists. In an interview with Dexter Dalwood, one of Britain’s leading contemporary painters, the artist explains the enduring significance of history painting in twentieth-century art and in his own practice. From Ancient Rome to recent political upheavals, Fighting History looks at how artists have transformed significant events into paintings that encourage us to reflect on our own place in history.

Among the artists featured are John Singleton Copley, Richard Hamilton, Jeremy Deller, James Barry, Benjamin West, Johnan Zoffany, J.M.W. Turner, John Everett Millais, Stanley Spencer, Winifred Knights, John Minton, Allen Jones, Rita Donagh and Steve McQueen.

• Exhibition Fighting History
• Dimensions 198 x 126 mm
• Author Greg Sullivan
• Height 198 mm
• ISBN 9781849763585
• Paperback Yes
• Number of illustrations 35
• Publisher Tate Publisher
• No of pages 64