In the Reign of Terror

The Reign of Terror was the name given to the later stages of the French Revolution, after the execution of King Louis XVI, when many aristocrats and royal supporters were guillotined because of their political beliefs. As in W F Yeames’s painting 'And When Did You Last See Your Father?', titillating suspense thrills the viewer: the well-to-do mother, hiding in a secluded room, has heard a worrying noise in the distance. This is one of a number of history paintings by women artists which the Gallery acquired in the early years of its existence.