Title: “A Call to Arms” – Monumental 19th Century English Pre-Raphaelite Oil Painting in Gilt Frame
Description: “A Call to Arms” – Monumental 19th Century English Pre-Raphaelite Oil Painting in Gilt Frame
Origin: England
Date: Circa 1850–1870
Medium: Oil on canvas (relined)
Dimensions: 149 cm wide x 127 cm high (58½ x 50 in, including frame)
Condition: Very good.
Craquelure present.
Professionally relined.
Minor historic restoration.
Housed in an elaborately carved and recently re-gilded 19th century frame.

A powerful and beautifully rendered mid-19th century Pre-Raphaelite oil painting, titled “A Call to Arms.” This large-scale English work captures a poignant narrative moment: a father, clad in armour, is assisted by his children as he prepares to leave for war — his son fastening the breastplate and his daughter sewing the lining into his helmet.
The intimate domestic ritual is dramatically juxtaposed against a lush, serene rural landscape seen through the doorway.

The handling is meticulous, with close attention to the sheen of armour, folds of clothing, and dappled light in the meadow beyond.
A small goat quietly eating fallen foxgloves adds symbolism and rustic charm to the scene.
The painting is unsigned but evidently the work of a sophisticated and technically gifted hand.

This is a painting of considerable emotional and decorative impact, steeped in narrative realism and Victorian romanticism.

Provenance: St Peter’s Manor, Droitwich Spa, Worcestershire
Style: Pre-Raphaelite / Narrative Victorian
Type: Historical genre painting
Frame: Original 19th century carved giltwood frame, recently re-gilded
Condition: Used
Delivery option: Collection & Delivery
Location: WR1
Category: Antiques