Sofie H, Bader, Mikkel and Maria

Analysis of The Secret Of England’s Greatness

The painting; The Secret Of England’s Greatness is painted by Thomas Jones Barker (1815-1882) in the year 1863.

In the painting you are able to see Queen Victoria handing over a Bible. In the background we are able to see Prince Albert (is standing) behind Queen Victoria, as well as the prime minister and Queen Victoria’s secretary (who are) observing the situation. Queen Victoria is on a plateau to enhance her power and always stay bigger than the others. You can see a bench with a lion head on. A silhouette of a Woman can be seen behind Prince Albert and it looks like her mother.

According to the description of the painting it takes place in 1861 at Windsor Castle. Because of Thomas Jones Barker has painted a fictional situation the painting is not historical correct, but all the people in the painting have lived and the situation could actually be a real event. Because of the White Mans Burden the western countries believed that they had a job to do and colonize countries, which are not developed technological as far as those countries that believed in this. The countries, as Great Britain, also wanted to bring their style of life to the under developed countries which is why Queen Victoria is handing over the bible.

The look in the eyes of the people in the painting is very serious. Ali bin Nasr, the African, looks very curious at the book, as well as greedy. The lady in the left back of the painting has a suspicious facial expression, but it also looks like she is having a mean look in her eyes.

What you notice first is Queen Victoria due to her colourful wedding dress and her pale skin lighting up the room. Afterwards you notice the African man and then the Bible.

The shades are very alive and round which can be seen on Queen Victoria’s dress where the over section overlaps the lower section.

The front figures are very prominent in their colours and lighting. The blue sash symbolise peace and harmony but also intelligence and safety. The dominant white colour symbolise greatness, peace and purity especially at Queen Victoria.