Christ Church Picture Gallery

Established in the 18th century thanks to a generous bequest, the gallery is a haven for art lovers, boasting an impressive collection of Old Master paintings and drawings. With its focus on Italian masters and its exceptional collection of drawings, the gallery provides a captivating window into the artistic heritage of Europe.

Italian Masters

The core of the collection comprises Italian art from the 14th to 18th centuries and includes renowned paintings by Filippino Lippi, Tintoretto, Veronese, Salvator Rosa. A highlight of collection is the historically significant The Butcher's Shop by Annibale Carracci, it being the first example of an artist treating a modest genre-subject on a monumental scale.

Drawings

The gallery houses an internationally acclaimed collection of works on paper containing around 2000 Old Master drawings and 3000 prints. Most of them are by Italian masters of the Renaissance and the Baroque, including Leonardo, Raphael, Michelangelo, Tintoretto and Carracci. There are also exceptional examples by Northern artists such as Dürer, Rubens and Van Dyck. Due to conservation reasons, the drawings are rotated.

Enhance your visit

The gallery regularly hosts exhibitions and events, providing a chance to explore specific themes or discover lesser-known artists. Guided tours led by knowledgeable staff are also available once a week, offering a deeper understanding of the artworks and their significance.

Photography is not allowed in the gallery, but visitors are permitted to sketch on paper, not to exceed 12 x 18 inches, with charcoal or lead pencils only.