Boris Anrep's Mosaics at National Gallery: Art Underfoot
Thousands of daily visitors to London's National Gallery unknowingly walk over a modern mosaic masterpiece by Russian-born artist Boris Anrep (1885–1969). Commissioned by the museum, 'The Awakening of the Muses' is a marble mosaic created in 1933, divided into three sections: two floors in the vestibule of the Main Hall illustrate 'The Labours of Life' and 'The Pleasures of Life', while a third floor added in 1952 depicts 'Modern Virtues'. The mosaic blends classical style with modern content. Unlike traditional allegorical figures, Anrep used real-life personalities: film star Greta Garbo as Melpomene (Muse of Tragedy), writer Virginia Woolf as Clio (Muse of History), and Sir Winston Churchill, ballerina Dame Margot Fonteyn, and philosopher Bertrand Russell as minor allegories. Art critic Clive Bell appears as Bacchus. Anrep, a member of the London Group, studied Byzantine mosaic techniques in Italy in 1924 and 1928, also commissioned by the National Gallery. His skill earned him the commission to decorate the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament at Westminster Abbey between 1956 and 1962.
Key facts
- Boris Anrep created a marble mosaic at the National Gallery in London in 1933.
- The mosaic is titled 'The Awakening of the Muses' and is located in the main hall.
- It depicts real people: Greta Garbo, Virginia Woolf, Winston Churchill, Margot Fonteyn, Bertrand Russell, and Clive Bell.
- A third section titled 'Modern Virtues' was added in 1952.
- Anrep studied Byzantine mosaics in Italy in 1924 and 1928.
- He also decorated the Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament at Westminster Abbey (1956–1962).
- Anrep was a member of the London Group.
- The mosaic is walked on by thousands of visitors daily.
Entities
Artists
- Boris Anrep
- Greta Garbo
- Virginia Woolf
- Winston Churchill
- Margot Fonteyn
- Bertrand Russell
- Clive Bell
Institutions
- National Gallery
- London Group
- Westminster Abbey
Locations
- London
- United Kingdom
- Italy