In Tate Britain
Walk Through British Art: 1810
Free entry- Artist
- Benjamin Robert Haydon 1786–1846
- Medium
- Oil paint on canvas
- Dimensions
- Support: 1505 × 1851 mm
frame: 2010 × 2270 × 165 mm - Collection
- Tate
- Acquisition
- Bequeathed by George Darling 1862
- Reference
- N00682
Display caption
Haydon thought of calling this painting ‘Life’, reflecting his ambition to capture a cross-section of London. His composition is full of pairings and contrasts. A hearse and a marriage coach nearly collide. The newly-weds are contrasted with the violent Punch and Judy puppet show on the left. Christianity, as represented by St Marylebone Church, co-exists with the pre-Christian May Day procession in the foreground on the right. Part of this parade is a dancing chimney sweep with blond curls and soot-blackened face. This performance of ‘blackness’ contrasts with the artist’s treatment of the black footman standing at the back of the carriage.
Gallery label, July 2018
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