the collector's folio

John Gilbert Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by John Gilbert our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide John Gilbert · 1817 – 1897

Gipsies by John Gilbert

1884 · Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester

valid Admire John Gilbert’s evocative depiction of ‘Gipsies,’ capturing the spirit of Victorian rural life with muted colors and expressive brushstrokes. Explore its history at Manchester Art Gallery.

View the most popular artwork of John Gilbert ranked #1: Gipsies

Art Movement: Romanticism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 204 artworks by John Gilbert
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17536 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Ego et Rex Meus (1888) by John Gilbert

1888 · Guildhall Art Gallery, London · original 160 x 104 cm

Experience the regal drama of John Gilbert's Ego et Rex Meus (1888), a striking Victorian portrait capturing an important moment between two figures in rich red and gold.

View the most popular artwork of John Gilbert ranked #2: Ego et Rex Meus

Art Movement: Victorian
Color Palette: Dark

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 204 artworks by John Gilbert
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$632104 × 160 cm Commission at original size

Landscape with Hunting Party, 1893, John Gilbert

1893 · Guildhall Art Gallery, London · original 74 x 119 cm

View the most popular artwork of John Gilbert ranked #3: Landscape with Hunting Party

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 204 artworks by John Gilbert
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17539 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$404119 × 74 cm Commission at original size

Lancelot du Lac by John Gilbert

1886 · Guildhall Art Gallery, London · original 91 x 122 cm

Explore John Gilbert’s ‘Lancelot du Lac’ (1886) – a dramatic Romantic painting of medieval combat. Witness expressive brushwork & intense emotion in this 91x122cm oil on canvas masterpiece.

View the most popular artwork of John Gilbert ranked #4: Lancelot du Lac

Art Movement: Romanticism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 204 artworks by John Gilbert
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20037 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$496122 × 91 cm Commission at original size

A Girl with Fruit, 1882, John Gilbert

1882 · Guildhall Art Gallery, London · original 125 x 91 cm

View the most popular artwork of John Gilbert ranked #5: A Girl with Fruit

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 204 artworks by John Gilbert
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17527 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$47991 × 125 cm Commission at original size

The Baggage Wagon, 1884, John Gilbert

1884 · Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham · original 63.8 x 76.5cm

View the most popular artwork of John Gilbert ranked #6: The Baggage Wagon

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 204 artworks by John Gilbert
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17535 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$29077 × 64 cm Commission at original size

'Henry VIII', Act I, Scene 1, Cardinal Wolsey and Buckingham – John Gilbert

1861 · Royal Shakespeare Company Collection, Avon

View the most popular artwork of John Gilbert ranked #7: 'Henry VIII', Act I, Scene 1, Cardinal Wolsey and Buckingham

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 204 artworks by John Gilbert
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17542 × 24 cm Commission this artwork

Don Sancho Panza, Governor of Barataria by John Gilbert, 1875

1875 · Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester

View the most popular artwork of John Gilbert ranked #8: Don Sancho Panza, Governor of Barataria

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 204 artworks by John Gilbert
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17529 × 35 cm Commission this artwork

Interior of a Church, John Gilbert

original 36 x 45 cm

View the most popular artwork of John Gilbert ranked #9: Interior of a Church

Color Palette: Dark

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 204 artworks by John Gilbert
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17536 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$19445 × 36 cm Commission at original size

Sir John Falstaff Reviewing His Ragged Regiment by John Gilbert

1858 · Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham · original 121.3 x 182.0cm

View the most popular artwork of John Gilbert ranked #10: Sir John Falstaff Reviewing His Ragged Regiment

Color Palette: Dark

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 204 artworks by John Gilbert
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$52539 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$1139182 × 121 cm Commission at original size

Don Quixote's Niece and Housekeeper, John Gilbert

1891 · Guildhall Art Gallery, London · original 84 x 64 cm

View the most popular artwork of John Gilbert ranked #11: Don Quixote's Niece and Housekeeper

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 204 artworks by John Gilbert
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17526 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$30464 × 84 cm Commission at original size

The Taming of the Shrew, 1860, John Gilbert

1860 · Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham · original 59.7 x 89.5cm

View the most popular artwork of John Gilbert ranked #12: The Taming of the Shrew

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 204 artworks by John Gilbert
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$32539 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$45390 × 60 cm Commission at original size

Preparing For The Charge, 1873, John Gilbert

1873 · Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham · original 25.4 x 35.7cm

View the most popular artwork of John Gilbert ranked #13: Preparing For The Charge

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 204 artworks by John Gilbert
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17538 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Old Cottages At Lewisham, John Gilbert

1876 · Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham · original 37.7 x 50.9cm

View the most popular artwork of John Gilbert ranked #14: Old Cottages At Lewisham

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 204 artworks by John Gilbert
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17538 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$20251 × 38 cm Commission at original size

The Morning of the Battle of Agincourt

1884 · Guildhall Art Gallery, London · original 122 x 168 cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 204 artworks by John Gilbert
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17537 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$744168 × 122 cm Commission at original size

A Windy Day (1885) by John Gilbert

1885 · Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham · original 51.0 x 61.2cm

View the most popular artwork of John Gilbert ranked #16: A Windy Day

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 204 artworks by John Gilbert
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17534 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$23861 × 51 cm Commission at original size

Fair Saint George (1881) by John Gilbert

1881 · Guildhall Art Gallery, London · original 244 x 152 cm

View the most popular artwork of John Gilbert ranked #17: Fair Saint George

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 204 artworks by John Gilbert
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17525 × 40 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$1222152 × 244 cm Commission at original size

Margaret of Anjou Taken Prisoner after the Battle of Tewkesbury (1875) by John Gilbert

1875 · Guildhall Art Gallery, London · original 125 x 165 cm

Explore John Gilbert’s dramatic 1875 painting ‘Margaret of Anjou.’ A Romantic masterpiece depicting a pivotal battle scene – rich detail, impasto & historical weight.

View the most popular artwork of John Gilbert ranked #18: Margaret of Anjou Taken Prisoner after the Battle of Tewkesbury

Art Movement: Romanticism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 204 artworks by John Gilbert
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$30037 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$872165 × 125 cm Commission at original size

The Return Of The Victors (1878) by John Gilbert

1878 · Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham · original 138.0 x 275.0cm

View the most popular artwork of John Gilbert ranked #19: The Return Of The Victors

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 204 artworks by John Gilbert
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$45046 × 22 cm Commission this artwork

John Gilbert: Don Quixote Disputing with the Priest and the Barber

1844

View the most popular artwork of John Gilbert ranked #20: Don Quixote Disputing with the Priest and the Barber

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 204 artworks by John Gilbert
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17539 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

The Ford by John Gilbert, 1891

1891 · Guildhall Art Gallery, London · original 91 x 71 cm

View the most popular artwork of John Gilbert ranked #21: The Ford

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 204 artworks by John Gilbert
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17528 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$33671 × 91 cm Commission at original size

The Field of the Cloth of Gold with Henry VIII and Francis I, 1520

Parliamentary Art Collection, Лондон

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 204 artworks by John Gilbert
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17540 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

Study Of Trees by John Gilbert

1874 · Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham · original 25.5 x 35.8cm

View the most popular artwork of John Gilbert ranked #23: Study Of Trees

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 204 artworks by John Gilbert
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17538 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Fairies In A Bird's Nest

Discover 'Fairies In A Bird’s Nest' by John Gilbert – a richly detailed Victorian fantasy painting! Explore its magical scene, Renaissance influence & intricate details.

Art Movement: Other
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 204 artworks by John Gilbert
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$30034 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

John Gilbert: Portrait Of Joseph Mallord William Turner

View the most popular artwork of John Gilbert ranked #25: Portrait Of Joseph Mallord William Turner

Art Movement: Realism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 204 artworks by John Gilbert
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17529 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

John Gilbert

1817 – 1897

Quick facts

Corpus themesshakespearean drama influence, shakespearean drama, power, victorian social commentary
Works on APS204
Topics exploredroyalty, victorian era, night, battle scene, dreams
Born1817, Blackheath, United Kingdom
Died1897
Top-ranked workGipsies
Typical colorsearthy, neutrals
Top 3 worksGipsies, Ego et Rex Meus, Landscape with Hunting Party

Biography

Sir John Gilbert RA: The Sculptor of Victorian Imagination

John Gilbert (July 21, 1817 – October 5, 1897), born in Blackheath, Surrey, was a British artist whose prolific output cemented his reputation as “the Scott of painting,” an accolade reflecting his unparalleled skill in capturing the spirit and grandeur of literary classics. Unlike many artists of his era who pursued formal training, Gilbert honed his craft through self-discipline and meticulous observation—primarily copying prints—establishing himself as a master of watercolour, oils, and crucially, wood engraving. His artistic journey began with an apprenticeship at a firm of estate agents but quickly transitioned towards a passion for visual storytelling that would define his career.

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

Gilbert’s formative years instilled in him a profound appreciation for detail and precision—qualities he would later translate into breathtaking illustrations. George Lance, his sole instructor, nurtured Gilbert's talent, encouraging him to experiment with various mediums and fostering an unwavering dedication to artistic excellence. Despite being denied admission to the Royal Academy Schools, Gilbert’s determination propelled him forward, mastering techniques that allowed him to produce works of remarkable beauty and complexity. His initial exposure to art came through printmaking, a practice he embraced wholeheartedly, recognizing its ability to convey emotion and narrative with striking effectiveness.

The Illustrated London News and Shakespeare

Gilbert's breakthrough arrived in 1856 when he accepted an invitation from William Mulready and Thomas Sheepshanks to contribute woodcuts for *The Illustrated London News*. This collaboration marked the beginning of a prolific partnership that would yield over 2000 engravings—a staggering achievement for the time—demonstrating Gilbert’s mastery of this demanding medium. However, his most enduring legacy resides in his monumental undertaking: the illustrated Shakespeare folio (1862–63). With nearly 750 drawings meticulously crafted to capture the essence of Shakespeare's plays, Gilbert achieved a feat considered impossible by many contemporaries and established himself as the foremost interpreter of Shakespeare’s dramatic vision. The sheer scale and ambition of this project underscored his belief in the transformative power of art—specifically its capacity to illuminate the human condition.

Technique and Style

Gilbert’s artistic style was characterized by a masterful command of chiaroscuro, employing dramatic contrasts between light and shadow to heighten emotional impact and convey depth of feeling. He favored meticulous detail, painstakingly rendering textures and surfaces with remarkable accuracy—a hallmark of his oeuvre that distinguishes him from many other artists of the Victorian period. His paintings often depicted landscapes imbued with atmospheric grandeur, reflecting a fascination with Romantic ideals and an unwavering commitment to capturing sublime beauty. Furthermore, Gilbert’s artistic explorations extended beyond painting into sculpture, where he created evocative figures that embodied both strength and grace.

Legacy and Recognition

Gilbert's influence on Victorian art and illustration is undeniable. He served as president of the Royal Watercolour Society from 1871, solidifying his position as a leading figure in British artistic circles. In recognition of his contributions to the visual arts, he was knighted in 1872 and subsequently elected into the Royal Academy in 1876—a testament to his enduring reputation for excellence and innovation. His work continues to inspire artists today, serving as an exemplar of artistic discipline, technical virtuosity, and imaginative storytelling. The Gilbert-Garret Competition for Sketching Clubs established in 1870 at St. Martins School of Art stands as a lasting tribute to his pioneering spirit and unwavering belief in the importance of artistic education. John Gilbert’s legacy extends beyond his artistic achievements; he is remembered as a champion of humanist values—a man who sought to elevate the human spirit through beauty and contemplation. He rests peacefully at Brockley and Ladywell Cemeteries, Surrey.

Questions & Answers

What other names is John Gilbert known by?

John Gilbert is also known as Sir John Gilbert, Sir Gilbert, John Gilbert (Sir), جون غيلبرت, Τζον Γκίλμπερτ.

How can I see every artwork made by John Gilbert?

Every work by John Gilbert on this website can be browsed from the artist's All Artworks page.

What are the birthplace and birth year of John Gilbert?

John Gilbert was born in Blackheath in 1817.

By the ArtsDot.com Editorial Team Updated Sept. 1, 2026

Collector's quiz

What was John Gilbert’s primary medium of artistic expression?
For which publication did Gilbert produce an impressive number of wood engravings?
Gilbert’s nickname, “the Scott of painting,” reflected his expertise in what artistic genre?
What prestigious institution recognized Gilbert as a Fellow?
Gilbert was instrumental in establishing what competition for sketching clubs?

one You choose the size

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three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

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