The Ideology and Propaganda of the Ruling Ideas as Painted by an Irishman in the Victorian Era: A Study on the Daniel Maclise Murals in the Royal Gallery of the Palace of Westminster

Daniel Maclise's murals in the Royal Gallery of the Palace of Westminster, commissioned during Queen Victoria's early reign, serve as a dual symbol of British national pride and Irish artistic resistance. While intended to glorify British military triumphs like the Battle of Trafalgar and Waterloo—highlighting monarchy and parliamentary power—Maclise subverted this narrative by centering marginalized figures, including Irish soldiers, women, children, and people of color. This deliberate inclusion challenges the dominant Victorian ideology, offering a layered interpretation that critiques colonial narratives while celebrating universal human values. The study reveals how Maclise's use of waterglass paint, an innovation to combat London's humid conditions, further underscores his technical ingenuity. Though initially overlooked, these murals now stand as a pioneering example of artistic advocacy for inclusivity and social justice in 19th-century Britain.

Rhi, M. (2024). The Ideology and Propaganda of the Ruling Ideas as Painted by an Irishman in the Victorian Era: A Study on the Daniel Maclise Murals in the Royal Gallery of the Palace of Westminster. Misulsa Yeongu : Journal of Art History, 46, 181–205. https://doi.org/10.52799/jah.2024.06.46.181