Gallery 2

Men Looking at Women

Arranged by themes of ‘Identity’, ‘Interiors’, ‘Nature’ and more, our newly refurbished galleries bring together our much-loved and iconic artworks alongside brand-new acquisitions – many of which are now displayed for the very first time. Explore galleries 1–5 and discover the surprising connections between historic, modern and contemporary paintings.

From Dante Gabriel Rosetti and John Everett Millais to Edgar Degas, artworks of women created by men have shaped so many of society’s ideas about gender roles and sexual desire, with the models and sitters often painted as serene or submissive objects of beauty. Take a closer look at the male artists’ ‘gaze’ and explore what it’s meant for women throughout history.

• First floor