The 160-year-old ‘Photoshopped’ picture which shocked Victorian England
This fascinating look at the work of Victorian photographers focused on a remarkable work by the great Oscar Rejlander.
The ancient roman temple which lay under London, undiscovered for over 17 centuries
The creation of a new building in central London unearthed a temple to the god Mithras which had lain undiscovered for almost two millennia.
The paintings which show Monet’s genius for architecture as well as nature
Think of Monet and you think of reflections and nature, but his works included huge amounts of architecture and other elements of the modern, technological age in which he lived.
10 glorious paintings which perfectly encapsulate the art of the conversation piece
A look at this intimate and informal Georgian form of portraiture which celebrated families without the usual swagger or posturing.
The photographer obsessed with why we all like to be beside the seaside
Knotted hankies at the ready for this look at some wonderful photographs documenting the British public's relationship with coastal resorts.
A moment in time capturing the gulf between architects’ dreams and residents’ realities
Tony Ray-Jones was one of a generation of photographers who chronicled life in Britain in the 1960s and 1970s, demonstrating the gulf between the dreams of town planners and the reality for the residents.
My Favourite Painting: Andrew Graham-Dixon
'Lesson Number One: it’s the pictures that baffle and tantalise you that stay in the mind forever,' said the art historian and presenter about this staggering image.
The Canadian hermit’s work that is a dystopian alternative to Monet
Canadian artist David Milne moved from city to country, eventually ending up as a hermit in a remote part of his homeland. This key work from that time is simultaneously impressionistic and brutally honest.
The Van Dyck portrait that shows Charles I as monarch, connoisseur and proud father
Lilias Wigan takes a detailed look at Van Dyck's The Greate Peece, one of the highlights of the Royal Academy's stunning exhibition of the art collected by Charles I.
How Holman Hunt’s Lady of Shallot was inspired by Van Eyck’s greatest masterpiece
Jan Van Eyck's iconic The Arnolfini Portrait inspired dozens of artists – but none to greater effect than Holman Hunt.
Jools Holland’s Favourite Painting
Jools Holland introduces his favourite painting – Tulip petal number 3
Stephen Fry’s favourite painting
Stephen Fry shares why he loves this famous Velázquez painting of Pope Innocent X
Credit: Alamy
In Focus: A grim masterpiece of the French painter who became the ultimate storyteller in paint
Laura Freeman examines the brilliance and bravado of Eugène Delacroix’s paintings – including an extraordinary recreation of one of the most
In Focus: A silent cellist, blazing with pleasure, by Klimt's great young protégé Schiele
When he first came on to the Vienna art scene, Egon Schiele hero-worshipped Gustav Klimt. Once they met the two
In Focus: The Norman Ackroyd landscape etchings that have sparked comparisons with Turner
This week marks the last chance to see Norman Ackroyd's sublime exhibition in Richmond. Lilias Wigan urges you to take
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It's a perfect storm for the revival of eclecticism, and we're in the middle of itIn design, periods of purism are often followed by a dramatic new mood. Now, the scene is set for an exciting revival of eclecticism.
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How good is your Claudia Winkleman trivia? Find out in The Country Life Quiz of the Day, October 13, 2025What secrets lurk beneath that fringe?
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Nine of Britain's most beautiful and awe-inspiring painted ceilings from the Country Life archiveOur round-up of some of the Britain's prettiest painted ceilings is a good reminder to always look up.
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The Glovebox: The fastest coffee shop on four wheelsBentley joins forces with Joe & The Juice, Rolls-Royce makes a Spectre for a dog, an Austin Mini with royal connections comes up for auctions, and Norman Foster clambers into a Bulldog.
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‘One remembers not to give the Queen a thump of joyful friendliness’: Remembering Norman Parkinson — revolutionary fashion photographer and Cecil Beaton’s only homegrown rivalCecil Beaton might be the toast of London right now, with a new exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery, but contemporary Norman Parkinson was always hot on his heels.
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Tim Knox, director of the Royal Collection, charts a century of regal tasteEdward VII swept away the cobwebs of mid-Victorian style, Queen Mary had passion for all things small and the Queen Mother bought rather avant-garde art.
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‘One of the most amazing spaces in London’: Two Hogarth murals, inside an 18th century London hospital, are to go on public display for the first timeSt Bartholomew's Hospital’s north wing is to open as a visitor attraction and events space — while the rest of the hospital will continue to operate as normal.
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Sophia Money-Coutts: A snob's guide to welliesWellington boots are a signifier, says Sophia Money-Coutts, of whether you are 'proper country' or not.
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Fall the right way: Country Life's shopping guide to the very best this autumnFrom tweed to tartan, scented candles to sandwiches, here's how to spend your money this autumn.
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What to expect when you start collectingStarting a new collection can be daunting. Art advisor Patrick Monahan shares his top tips on what and how to buy and what to avoid.
