Paula Rego: Crivelli's Garden

Delightful exhibition at the National Gallery focusing on Paula Rego’s mural for the gallery’s restaurant.

As the restaurant area is being refurbished, this was a chance to show the mural as a work of art. It was created during Rego’s year as the first artist in residence at the gallery in 1991 in response to an altarpiece by Crivelli which was also shown in the space.

The mural looked beautiful and was smaller than I remembered it. It was great to be able to look at all the detail close up and to see the preparatory drawings, many based on National Gallery staff of the time.

The figures in the mural represent Biblical and Mythological women and it was fun to sit in front of it and play spot the character. My recent mythology course came in handy! I later realised there is a guide on the website to check your answers. 

Closes 29 October 2033


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