the collector's folio

Edward Matthew Ward Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by Edward Matthew Ward 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 Edward Matthew Ward · 1816 – 1879

Daniel Maclise

1846 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 45.7 x 35.2cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 38 artworks by Edward Matthew Ward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17828 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$19735 × 46 cm Commission at original size

Thomas Babington Macaulay, Baron Macaulay

1853 · National Portrait Gallery, London · original 63.5 x 76.2cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 38 artworks by Edward Matthew Ward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17835 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$29576 × 64 cm Commission at original size

The Last Parting of Marie-Antoinette and her Son

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 38 artworks by Edward Matthew Ward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17838 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

The Last Sleep of Argyle before his Execution 1685

1866 · Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 38 artworks by Edward Matthew Ward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$22834 × 30 cm Commission this artwork

Queen Victoria at the Tomb of Napoleon, 24 August 1855

1857 · Buckingham Palace, London · original 96.6 x 175.6cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 38 artworks by Edward Matthew Ward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$45343 × 23 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$935176 × 97 cm Commission at original size

Philip Henry Stanhope, Viscount Stanhope, later 5th Earl Stanhope, DCL, FRS, LLD (1805-1875)

View the most popular artwork of Edward Matthew Ward ranked #6: Philip Henry Stanhope, Viscount Stanhope, later 5th Earl Stanhope, DCL, FRS, LLD (1805-1875)

1854 · Hughenden Manor, High Wycombe · original 86.4 x 101.6cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 38 artworks by Edward Matthew Ward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$25336 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$489102 × 86 cm Commission at original size

Doctor Johnson in the Ante-Room of the Lord Chesterfield Waiting for an Audience, 1748

View the most popular artwork of Edward Matthew Ward ranked #7: Doctor Johnson in the Ante-Room of the Lord Chesterfield Waiting for an Audience, 1748

1845 · original 139.4 x 106.0cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 38 artworks by Edward Matthew Ward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$50336 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$919139 × 106 cm Commission at original size

The Royal Family of France in the Temple

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 38 artworks by Edward Matthew Ward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17837 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

A Game of Charades

1840 · original 112.1 x 142.6cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 38 artworks by Edward Matthew Ward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$47836 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$931143 × 112 cm Commission at original size

The Tomb of Napoleon

1856 · original 37.8 x 46.2cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 38 artworks by Edward Matthew Ward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17835 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$20146 × 38 cm Commission at original size

The Royal Family of France in the Prison of the Temple

Edward Matthew Ward’s ‘Royal Family of France in Prison’ – a poignant Romantic painting depicting grief & duty. Explore this historical masterpiece's dramatic style & rich details.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 38 artworks by Edward Matthew Ward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$25335 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Final Adieu to the Dauphin

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 38 artworks by Edward Matthew Ward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17836 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

The Orphan of the Temple

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 38 artworks by Edward Matthew Ward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17829 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Hurling Abuse at Richard Baxter

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 38 artworks by Edward Matthew Ward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17835 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

The Fall of Edward Hyde

Explore 'The Fall of Edward Hyde' by Edward Matthew Ward – a dramatic historical painting showcasing Victorian-era artistry & storytelling. Discover this captivating artwork.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 38 artworks by Edward Matthew Ward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17837 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Marie Antoinette Listening to the Act of Accusation

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 38 artworks by Edward Matthew Ward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17829 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

The South Sea Bubble, a Scene in ‘Change Alley in 1720

1847 · original 188.0 x 129.5cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 38 artworks by Edward Matthew Ward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$77838 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$1481188 × 130 cm Commission at original size

Scene from ‘David Garrick’

original 95.7 x 74.9cm

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 38 artworks by Edward Matthew Ward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$35336 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$54196 × 75 cm Commission at original size

The Fall of Clarendon

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 38 artworks by Edward Matthew Ward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17838 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Charles Ii And Nell Gwynne

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 38 artworks by Edward Matthew Ward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17829 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Nell Gwynne

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 38 artworks by Edward Matthew Ward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17829 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Judge Jeffries Hurling Abuse At Richard Baxter

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 38 artworks by Edward Matthew Ward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17835 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Isaak Walton Fishing, A Summer's Day on the Banks of the River Colne

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 38 artworks by Edward Matthew Ward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17835 × 29 cm Commission this artwork

The Royal Family Of France In The Prison

Edward Matthew Ward’s ‘Royal Family of France in Prison’ depicts a dramatic 18th-century scene of wealth & intrigue. Oil on canvas, rich details, historical realism – explore this captivating artwork.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 38 artworks by Edward Matthew Ward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$27835 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Marie Antoinette And Her Children

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 38 artworks by Edward Matthew Ward
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17838 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

Edward Matthew Ward

1816 – 1879

Quick facts

Lifespan63 years
Typical colorsespresso
Color intensitymonochromatic
Art period19th Century
NationalityUnited Kingdom
Museums on APSNational Portrait Gallery, Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Buckingham Palace, Hughenden Manor
Born1816, London, United Kingdom

Biography

Edward Matthew Ward: A Victorian Narrative Painter of British History

Born: Pimlico, United Kingdom (1816)
Died: 1879

Edward Matthew Ward RA was a prominent English Victorian narrative painter celebrated for his monumental murals within the Palace of Westminster. These works depict significant episodes from British history, spanning the tumultuous period of the English Civil War to the Glorious Revolution. Beyond these large-scale commissions, Ward’s career encompassed a diverse range of subjects, reflecting his evolving artistic interests and engagement with contemporary social and political themes.

Early Life and Artistic Development

Early Training & Illustrations: Born in Pimlico, London, Ward demonstrated artistic talent early on. He contributed illustrations to the popular satirical book Rejected Addresses alongside his uncles, James and Horace Smith, and also illustrated works by Washington Irving. Winning the "silver palette" from the Society of Arts in 1830 marked an early recognition of his abilities.
Royal Academy & Rome: Supported by David Wilkie and Francis Leggatt Chantrey, Ward became a student at the Royal Academy Schools. A pivotal moment arrived with his journey to Rome in 1836, where he received a silver medal from the Academy of St Luke in 1838 for his painting "Cimabue and Giotto." This work was subsequently exhibited at the Royal Academy in 1839, establishing him on the artistic scene.
The Clique & Early Influences: During his time at the Royal Academy Schools, Ward became part of a group known as “The Clique,” led by Richard Dadd. The Clique championed a distinctly national style, drawing inspiration from artists like Hogarth and Wilkie. This influence is evident in many of Ward’s early paintings, which frequently depicted scenes set in the 18th century or explored Hogarthian themes. His interest in 17th-century history was fueled by his friendship with historian Thomas Babington Macaulay.

Major Works and Artistic Style

Westminster Murals: Ward’s most significant achievement remains the eight murals he painted for the Palace of Westminster, commissioned despite an earlier unsuccessful competition entry in 1843. These murals dramatically portray parallel events from the Royalist and Parliamentary sides during the English Civil War, presenting opposing figures as if confronting one another across the corridor – a striking visual representation of historical conflict.
Hogarthian Subjects & Historical Scenes: Throughout the 1860s, Ward continued to explore Hogarthian themes and episodes from British history. Notable examples include "Hogarth's Studio in 1739" (York City Art Gallery) and "The Antechamber at Whitehall during the Dying Moments of Charles II" (Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool).
Artistic Style: Ward’s style is characterized by a dramatic narrative approach, meticulous attention to detail, and a strong sense of historical accuracy. While influenced by Hogarth's satirical commentary and Wilkie's realism, he developed his own distinctive voice, blending historical documentation with theatrical presentation. His works often feature large casts of figures engaged in dynamic action, creating compelling visual narratives.

Later Life, Personal Tragedy & Legacy

Conflict with the Pre-Raphaelites: In the 1850s, Ward publicly criticized the Pre-Raphaelite movement, particularly Millais’ style, which he deemed un-British. A controversial moment arose when his painting "Charlotte Corday Being Led to Execution" won a prize over Millais' "Ophelia" at Liverpool, sparking considerable debate within the art world.
Personal Life & Relationships: Ward married Henrietta Ward (no relation), in 1848 after an elopement facilitated by Wilkie Collins. Their relationship was complicated by Henrietta’s mother’s disapproval and disinheritance. Collins is believed to have drawn inspiration from their story for his novel Basil. Henrietta later became a successful art teacher and wrote memoirs about their life together.
Tragic End & Family: Towards the end of his life, Ward suffered from illness and depression. He tragically died by suicide in January 1879. His son, Leslie Ward, achieved fame as a caricaturist for Vanity Fair under the pseudonym "Spy."
Historical Significance: Edward Matthew Ward’s legacy rests primarily on his monumental Westminster murals, which remain an important part of British heritage and offer a powerful visual record of key historical events. His work reflects the Victorian fascination with history and narrative painting, while also demonstrating a commitment to portraying national identity and values.

Questions & Answers

Can I study Edward Matthew Ward's use of color across all works?

The Palette Genome of Edward Matthew Ward is a page that presents the color profile of the artist's body of work.

How many artworks by Edward Matthew Ward are available to browse?

You can browse 38 artworks by Edward Matthew Ward on the All Artworks page.

How did Edward Matthew Ward's art evolve over time?

Edward Matthew Ward's career unfolds period by period on the artist's Chronicle page: a horizontal timeline of the artworks, grouped into career-period chapters.

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

Collector's quiz

Edward Matthew Ward is best known for what significant artistic achievement?
What artistic movement significantly influenced Ward's early work, evident in his focus on eighteenth-century subjects?
What was the nature of Ward's relationship with the Pre-Raphaelite artists, particularly Millais?
What tragic event marked the end of Edward Matthew Ward's life?

one You choose the size

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two We paint and send a preview

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three Delivered, certified

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

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All artworks by Edward Matthew Ward