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Student Artwork Guide

John Orlando Parry

Name Class Date

Daniel Maclise, John Orlando Parry, Amgueddfa Cymru. Public domain.

The facts

Artist
Daniel Maclise originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/daniel-maclise/
Artist’s dates
1806 – 1870
Held at
Amgueddfa Cymru originaluniqueart.com/en/museums/amgueddfa-cymru-cardiff/

In context

John Orlando Parry — Daniel Maclise

When might this have been painted?

  1. 1800
  2. 1810
  3. 1820
  4. 1830
  5. 1840
  6. 1850
  7. 1860
  8. 1870

Shaded: the lifetime of Daniel Maclise (1806–1870)

This record has no exact year on file — using the artist's lifetime and the work's style, what decade would you guess?

Compare with

Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.

More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/daniel-maclise-john-orlando-parry-AQZCU3-en/

Colours

Measured from the image

    Main colour

    Phthalo Green #0d141b

    Catalogued palette

    • #0D141B
    • #61522B
    • #B9A784
    • #302F23
    Main colour name
    Phthalo Green
    Intensity
    Monochromatic How saturated and varied the colours are, from a single toned-down hue to many bright ones.
    Contrast
    Gentle How much the colours differ in lightness and saturation across the picture.
    Harmony
    Softly Mixed Palette How well the colours work together, from clashing to fully unified.
    Brightness
    Deep_shadow How light or dark the picture reads overall, from deep shadow to bright highlight.
    Saturation
    Subtle Color How pure and strong the colours are, from near-grey to fully vivid.

    Artist and museum

    Artist

    Daniel Maclise

    Born in Cork, Ireland

    Early Life and Education

    Born: January 25, 1806, Cork, Ireland

    Died: April 25, 1870, London, England

    Parents: Alexander McLish (tanner/shoemaker) and Rebecca McLeish

    Early education in Cork; showed artistic talent from a young age.

    Studied at the Cork School of Art, focusing on drawing and anatomy.

    Self-funded move to London in 1827 to pursue art studies.

    Entered the Royal Academy Schools in 1828, excelling in life drawing and history painting.

    Career and Major Works

    Rapidly gained recognition for his portrait skills, notably depicting Charles Kean and Niccolò Paganini.

    Contributed significantly to Fraser's Magazine under the pseudonym "Alfred Croquis," creating a series of character portraits that enhanced his reputation.

    Became an Associate of the Royal Academy in 1835 and a full member in 1840.

    Notable Works:

    The Meeting of Wellington and Blücher after the Battle of Waterloo (located at Westminster Palace)

    The Death of Nelson (located at Westminster Palace) – A monumental fresco considered one of his masterpieces.

    The Chivalric Vow of the Ladies and the Peacock

    Illustrations for Charles Dickens' Christmas books and other works.

    Artistic Style and Influences

    Maclise’s style blended historical narrative with elements of realism and portraiture.

    Influenced by French and classical art, particularly after his visit to Paris in 1830.

    His work often depicted scenes from history, literature (Shakespeare), and mythology.

    Demonstrated a keen eye for detail and characterization in both portraits and historical compositions.

    Later Life and Legacy

    Intense dedication to his art took a toll on his health.

    Declined the presidency of the Royal Academy in 1865 due to declining health.

    Died in Chelsea, London, in 1870.

    A memoir was published by William Justin O'Driscoll in 1871.

    Maclise’s murals at Westminster Palace remain significant contributions to British art and architecture.

    His illustrations for Dickens helped popularize the author's works.

    Considered a key figure in Victorian-era history painting, bridging the gap between Neoclassicism and Realism.

    Historical Significance

    Maclise played a crucial role in documenting significant historical events and figures for a wider audience.

    His work reflects the cultural and artistic trends of the 19th century, particularly the Victorian era's fascination with history and literature.

    He helped establish the tradition of large-scale narrative painting within British art.

    His contributions to Westminster Palace’s decoration are integral to the building's aesthetic and symbolic importance.

    Museum

    Amgueddfa Cymru

    On show in Cardiff, United Kingdom

    A Sanctuary of Welsh Soul: The Living Chronicle of Amgueddfa Cymru

    Nestled within the tranquil, leafy embrace of Cathays Park,

    Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales

    stands as a profound testament to the enduring artistic spirit of a nation. Since its ambitious establishment in 1905, this institution has served as much more than a mere repository for artifacts; it is a living, breathing chronicle of Welsh identity, folklore, and natural splendor. To step through its doors is to embark on a journey through time, where the whispers of ancient heritage meet the vibrant pulse of contemporary creativity. The museum acts as a luminous beacon, illuminating centuries of cultural evolution and fostering a deep, emotional connection between the visitor and the storied landscapes of Wales.

    The heart of the museum’s allure lies in its extraordinary collection, which offers a breathtaking dialogue between international mastery and local genius. Art lovers will find themselves captivated by the prestigious Impressionist treasures bequeathed in 1911 by Sir William Ashton Lloyd. Within these galleries, the ethereal luminescence of

    Claude Monet’s

    "Water Lilies" creates a sense of timelessness, while the emotive, textured palettes of

    Vincent van Gogh

    transport the viewer to the sun-drenched landscapes of Provence. Yet, the collection remains deeply rooted in the Welsh soil; visitors can wander through dramatic Romantic vistas that capture the rugged majesty of the Welsh mountains and encounter portraits imbued with a poignant, soulful sensitivity by masters such as Richard Howells and Gwen Rhys. For the discerning collector or interior designer, the museum’s diverse holdings—ranging from delicate ceramics and intricate textiles to exquisite jewellery—offer endless inspiration drawn from a rich tapestry of decorative arts.

    The architectural grandeur of the museum itself is an experience of Victorian elegance and classical harmony. Designed by the visionary architects Gilbert Bayes and Thomas J. Clapperton, the building is a masterpiece of ornamentation, featuring intricate sculptures by

    Sir W. Goscombe John

    that pay homage to the delicate beauty of Welsh flora. As one moves through the expansive interior, Corinthian columns adorned with floral motifs rise gracefully toward soaring ceilings, where soft light filters through magnificent stained-glass windows. This interplay of light and structure creates a contemplative atmosphere, perfect for the quiet appreciation of art. The recent addition of the Clore Discovery Centre further enriches this landscape, bridging the gap between art and science through interactive exploration, ensuring that the museum remains a dynamic space for all generations.

    Beyond the walls of the main institution, the museum’s influence extends to the enchanting

    St Fagans National Museum of History

    . This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a rare, immersive encounter with living history, where over forty meticulously reconstructed buildings—from medieval cottages to industrial workshops—recreate the rhythms of rural Welsh life. Here, the boundaries between the past and present dissolve as demonstrators showcase traditional crafts like blacksmithing and weaving amidst the beautifully landscaped ornamental gardens designed by the legendary

    Gertrude Jekyll

    . It is this seamless blend of art, nature, and history that makes Amgueddfa Cymru a truly unique destination, inviting every visitor to embrace the profound beauty and complexity of the Welsh heritage.

    Where to read more

    • The artist Daniel Maclise originaluniqueart.com/en/artists/daniel-maclise/
    • The museum Amgueddfa Cymru originaluniqueart.com/en/museums/amgueddfa-cymru-cardiff/
    • Similar works More works to compare originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/daniel-maclise-john-orlando-parry-AQZCU3-en/

    Find this online

    QR code linking to the download page for John Orlando Parry

    originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/daniel-maclise-john-orlando-parry-AQZCU3-en/

    Cite this artwork

    MLA
    Maclise, Daniel. John Orlando Parry. n.d., Amgueddfa Cymru. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/daniel-maclise-john-orlando-parry-AQZCU3-en/
    APA
    Maclise, Daniel (n.d.). John Orlando Parry [Painting]. Amgueddfa Cymru. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/daniel-maclise-john-orlando-parry-AQZCU3-en/
    Chicago
    Daniel Maclise. John Orlando Parry. n.d. Amgueddfa Cymru. https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/daniel-maclise-john-orlando-parry-AQZCU3-en/
    Harvard
    Maclise, Daniel (n.d.) John Orlando Parry. Amgueddfa Cymru. Available at: https://originaluniqueart.com/en/art/daniel-maclise-john-orlando-parry-AQZCU3-en/

    Look closely

    John Orlando Parry — Daniel Maclise

    Look closely

    Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.

    1. What catches your eye first, and why?
    2. Which colours or shapes create the mood — and what is that mood?
    3. Look back at The Marriage of Strongbow and Aoife, earlier in this guide. Name two things it shares with this work, and one that is different.
    4. What might the artist have wanted you to feel?
    5. If you could ask the artist one question about this work, what would it be?

    Your response

    Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.