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1 of 253523 objects
Frank O. Salisbury (1874-1962)
The Heart of The Empire, 6th May 1935 Signed and dated 1935
Oil on canvas | 229.9 x 352.1 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external) | RCIN 404703
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King George V and Queen Mary stand before the altar rails of St Paul's Cathedral; members of the Royal Family, including the Duke and Duchess of York and the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret of York are standing behind; a large congregation depicted
King George V and Queen Mary stand before the altar rails of St Paul's Cathedral; members of the Royal Family, including the Duke and Duchess of York, later King George VI and Queen Elizabeth, and the Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret of York are standing behind.
The Silver Jubilee of the reign of King George V was marked by a number of events including a Service of Thanksgiving at St Paul's Cathedral on May 6, 1935. The day was a public holiday and parties were held all over the country. The King and Queen later appeared on the balcony of Buckingham Palace to great cheers.
The Guildhall Art Gallery holds a painting of the Reception of King George V and Queen Mary at the West Door of St Paul's Cathedral, 6 May 1935 which was purchased from the artist in 1936. This equally ambitious project concentrates on the interplay of figures and colourful uniforms in a frieze-like manner; whereas the strength of this painting lies in the orchestration of figures against an impressive architectural background. 'The Times' obituary of Salisbury of 1 September, 1962 noted: 'He was a clever portraitist; not only in capturing a likeness but in his decorative disposition of figures…He had a decorative ability suited to the tasks he undertook and his huge compositions of state ceremony... were grouped with unfailing efficacy.'
Studies relating to this painting were recently acquired by the Royal Collection (RCINs 935054-935058).Provenance
Painted for King George V and Queen Mary
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Creator(s)
Acquirer(s)
Subject(s)
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Medium and techniques
Oil on canvas
Measurements
229.9 x 352.1 cm (support, canvas/panel/stretcher external)
260.2 x 382.1 x 8.7 cm (frame, external)
Alternative title(s)
The Silver Jubilee Thanksgiving Service of George V, St. Paul's Cathedral, 6th May 1935
