The Execution of Lady Jane Grey

Back in the year 2000, my son Alex and I were walking through the National Gallery in London. We had already been stunned by the painting, The Ambassadors, by Hans Holbein the Younger (check out the entry below). But nothing prepared us for the next painting we stumbled upon: The Execution of Lady Jane Grey by Paul Delaroche (17 July 1797 – 4 November 1856).

The Execution of Lady Jane Grey, oil painting by Paul Delaroche completed in 1833

This painting is my all time favorite. While the scene is incorrect (artistic license), the emotional message is unparalleled in anything I have seen. Here is a girl of 16, who has been politically used, facing her death on the chopping block. Her reign as Queen lasted only nine days and her young life came to an end six months later. The following YouTube article from the National Gallery tells the story far better than I.

As the above video demonstrates with close ups of the painting, you can feel the fear in Lady Jane's posture. With no motion, you see her hands tremble and no sound, hear the  ladies in waiting, wailing in anquish. 

Delaroche accomplished one of the most moving paintings I have ever viewed. During the last 11 years, I have visited the painting four times. Every visit finds me mystified,  standing in front of this mere paint on canvas, totally enraptured by the story it tells. 

If you ever get to London, please, please jump in a cab and go straight to the National Gallery--it will be well worth the time. Best of all, it's free!