Myth and Reality: The Victorian Solider in Art

Join Susan Ward, the lead curator of our new major exhibition on Victorian military art, as she discusses the representation of soldiers in the late 19th century.

In an age before widespread photography, military artists played a crucial role in conveying information about distant conflicts to the British public. Their art, whether idealised or realistic, directly shaped how British people thought about the Army and its soldiers.

To complement our new exhibition, Myth and Reality: Military Art in the Age of Queen Victoria, lead curator Susan Ward will explore the role of myth and reality, both in reflecting and shaping public attitudes towards the Army.

About the speaker

Susan Ward is Head of Art at the National Army Museum and specialises in 19th-century art and military silver. She is a member of the Decorative Art Society and the co-author of 'Silver City: 500 Years of Portsmouth's History'.