Fine Art

Gemälde: Historisch

Historical painting depicts the great events, battles, and figures of history — from ancient civilisations to the Napoleonic era. This collection features thousands of public domain historical paintings by Jacques-Louis David, Peter Paul Rubens, Benjamin West and more, all free to download in high resolution. Historical painting was considered the highest genre in academic art, demanding mastery of figure drawing, composition, and narrative. All works are free to download for personal and commercial use.

A vibrant crowd with raised arms and tricolor sashes surges toward a central monument, embodying revolutionary fervor.

Albert (Paul Besnard dit) Entwurf für das Rathaus des 4. Arrondissements, Der 14. Juli

Albert Besnard

Emperor Jahangir and Shah Abbas embrace under a golden sun, surrounded by angels, a lion, and a lamb.

Kaiser Jahangir umarmt Shah Abbas

Abu’l Hasan

Alfred Ost's 'Herodias Stadion' captures a historical scene with vibrant colors and dynamic figures.

Stadion der Herodias

Alfred Ost

King Louis XIV on a horse surrounded by courtiers with a city burning in the background.

König Ludwig XIV bei der Einnahme von Maastricht, 30. Juni

Adam Frans van der Meulen

A calm gathering at the edge of a conquered city, featuring a figure in a red cloak on a pale horse.

Ludwig XIV empfängt die Kapitulation der Zitadelle von Cambrai am 18. April

Adam Frans van der Meulen

This painting depicts Capulet confronting his daughter, Juliet, in a dramatic scene.

Capulet tadelt seine Tochter, Julia

Robert Smirke

Chryses mourns his daughter lost to Agamemnon in this emotional study by Girodet.

Chryses trauert um den Verlust seiner Tochter an Agamemnon (Studie für die Ilias)

Anne Louis Girodet-Trioson

Cimon and Pero depicts a touching moment between a father and daughter.

Cimon und Pero (Römische Wohltätigkeit)

Peter Paul Rubens

A depiction of a Turk from Jan Ciągliński's journey to Constantinople.

Türke. Von der Reise nach Konstantinopel

Jan Ciągliński

A living model stands exposed in an amphitheater, with a lecturer directing attention to his musculature amidst an attentive audience.

Vorlesung über Anatomie von Andreas Bonn für die Zeichnungsabteilung von Felix Meritis

Adriaan de Lelie

A striking depiction of two women tied to trees, surrounded by wolves in a dramatic landscape.

Zwei Frauen aus Nojiri, die bestohlen, an Bäume gebunden und von Wölfen gefressen wurden

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Degas's depiction of the martyr Joseph Bara captures his vulnerability and sacrifice.

Degas - Der Tod von Joseph Bara nach David

Edgar Degas

Oskar Laske's painting 'Der Kampf jenseits des Flusses' captures a dramatic historical scene.

Der Kampf jenseits des Flusses

Oskar Laske

A group of soldiers taking cover behind a wall during a battle.

Hinter einer Mauer versteckt. Infanteristen der Linie; ein Fragment aus dem Panorama der Schlacht von Champigny

Jean-Baptiste Édouard Detaille

A dynamic scene of horses and riders caught in a moment of tension and movement.

Schlachtenszene: Araber machen einen Umweg

Adolf Schreyer

A flotilla of yachts on the Binnen Amstel with a floating pavilion and crowds, showcasing a grand public event.

Die Ankunft der russischen Botschaft in Amsterdam, 29. August

Abraham Storck

Caesar's Triumph depicts a grand celebration with vibrant colors and dynamic figures.

Cäsars Triumph

Peter Paul Rubens

A royal procession featuring a gilded carriage surrounded by attendants and guards in a sunlit landscape.

Ludwig XIV bei Vincennes

Adam Frans van der Meulen

A royal scene depicting Louis XIV in a red cloak with his attendants at an inn.

Ludwig XIV und seine Suite halten an der Tür einer Herberge

Adam Frans van der Meulen

A preparatory study depicting Peter the Hermit preaching the First Crusade.

Studie für ‚Peter der Einsiedler predigt den Ersten Kreuzzug‘

Gustave Vanaise

Vasily Vereshchagin's 'Transportation Of The Wounded' depicts the harsh realities of war.

Transport der Verwundeten

Vasily Vereshchagin

A handshake between two commanders on horseback, framed by their horses and a retinue of officers observing the moment.

Treffen von Blücher und Wellington

Adolph von Menzel

William Blake's painting of Demosthenes captures the orator in a moment of passionate address.

Demosthenes (384–322 v. Chr.)

William Blake

A floating pavilion with a solitary figure in a bicorne hat, surrounded by boats and soldiers under heavy clouds.

Das Treffen von Napoleon I und Zar Alexander I in Tilsit

Adolphe-Eugène-Gabriel Roehn

A fragment of Prince Jan of Finland's garment depicted in a historical context.

Studium des Fragmentes des Gewandes des Prinzen Jan von Finnland für das Bild ‘Katarzyna Jagiellonka im Gefängnis in Gripsholm’

Józef Simmler

A royal hunt scene with riders in lavish costumes, hounds, and a stag in a wooded landscape with the Château de Meudon in the background.

Ludwig XIV und sein Hof bei der Jagd in Sicht des Schlosses Meudon.

Adam Frans van der Meulen

A depiction of Timon of Athens by Louis Rhead, showcasing intricate details and vibrant colors.

Timon von Athen

Louis Rhead

A chaotic scene with rearing horses and tumbling figures as a convoy is attacked by brigands in a turbulent landscape.

Ein Konvoi, der von Banditen angegriffen wird

Adam Frans van der Meulen

A dramatic scene depicting the death of Dido, Queen of Carthage.

Tod der Dido

Peter Paul Rubens

Alfred Ost's 'Vikingskalender – XI Tu Quoque!' features dynamic figures in a vibrant setting.

Wikingerkalender – XI Tu Quoque!

Alfred Ost

Alfred Ost's painting 'Ypres Remember' captures the somber aftermath of war.

Ypern erinnert

Alfred Ost

The artwork depicts a dramatic scene of two historical figures grappling in midair.

Funada Nyūdō Yoshimasa Kämpft mit Sachūjō Nitta Yoshisada in der Luft

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

A richly dressed figure on a white horse commands a river crossing scene filled with soldiers and cannon fire.

Ludwig XIV überquert die Niederlande in Lobith

Adam Frans van der Meulen

This artwork is a study for a larger painting depicting a historical scene.

Jaśko von Tenczyn. Studie zu dem Gemälde ‘Der Eid der Königin Jadwiga’

Józef Simmler

This artwork depicts the violent conduct of women and children in Kagoshima.

Gewalttätiges Verhalten von Frauen und Kindern in Kagoshima

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

François Gérard's painting depicts Henry IV's entry into Paris, symbolizing the end of religious conflict.

Religiöse Bürgerkriege. – Einzug Heinrichs IV. in Paris. (März 1394)

François Gérard

This artwork depicts a dramatic and disturbing scene from Japanese history.

Die Gruppenvergewaltigung von Hisazōs Freundin, Omatsu

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Vasily Vereshchagin's 'They Attack Unaware' depicts a dramatic historical scene.

Sie greifen unvorbereitet an

Vasily Vereshchagin

This painting depicts a scene from Shakespeare's Timon of Athens.

Timon von Athen, Flavius stand sprachlos, in Entsetzen gehüllt, als er den […] nackt sah, wie er geboren wurde, lebend wie ein Tier

Louis Rhead

A painting depicting the historical figure Joan of Arc in a dramatic moment.

Johanna von Orléans – Festnahme

Wiktoria Goryńska

Jan Matejko's painting depicting the retaking of Rus in 1366, showcasing Polish knights and scholars.

Rückeroberung von Rus. Wohlstand und Bildung, 1366 n. Chr., aus der Reihe „Geschichte der Zivilisation in Polen“

Jan Matejko

A dramatic scene of cavalry charging with swords raised, set against a battlefield backdrop.

Es lebe der Kaiser

Jean-Baptiste Édouard Detaille

Two men in a charged encounter, surrounded by officers and courtiers, illuminated by warm light.

Das Treffen von Friedrich II. und Joseph II. in Neisse

Adolph von Menzel

The painting 'Vow of Queen Jadwiga' by Józef Simmler depicts a significant historical moment.

Gelübde der Königin Jadwiga

Józef Simmler

A procession of noblemen depicted in Jan van Eyck's lost painting, 'The Just Judges'.

Die gerechten Richter

Jan van Eyck

A sketch depicting Catherine Jagiellon and her son Sigismund in Gripsholm Castle.

Catherine Jagiellon mit ihrem Sohn Sigismund, im Gripsholm Schloss eingesperrt – Skizze

Józef Simmler

William Blake's depiction of Jane Shore in her moment of public penance.

Die Buße von Jane Shore

William Blake

A rider in white on a dark horse stands before a city gate, surrounded by men in flowing robes and rearing horses.

Araber zu Pferd 2925 Führermuseum

Adolf Schreyer

Max Slevogt's painting depicts a dramatic scene from the Trojan War.

Die Troer bei den Schiffen der Achaier

Max Slevogt

This painting depicts a dramatic moment from Shakespeare's Othello.

Othello, Emilia; Ich liebte dich, grausamer Mohr

Louis Rhead

A depiction of the Mechanics’ Institute Massacre in New Orleans, capturing the tension of the moment.

Der dreißigste Mai

Charles Dana Gibson

This artwork is a study of a bishop's robe for a historical painting.

Studie des Gewandes von Bischof Piotr Wysz für das Gemälde 'Der Eid der Königin Jadwiga'

Józef Simmler

This painting depicts a poignant moment from Shakespeare's play, showcasing a father and his daughter.

Perikles, Prinz von Tyrus. Hier ist alles, was von deiner toten Königin übrig geblieben ist – eine kleine Tochter

Louis Rhead

A striking depiction of Watanabe Genji Tsuna riding a horse in the rain.

Watanabe Genji Tsuna zu Pferd im Regen

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

This artwork depicts the story of a courtesan and a priest in a vibrant ukiyo-e style.

Die Geschichte der Kurtisane Jigokudayū und des Priesters Ikkyū

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

Alfred Ost's 'Ypres Remember' captures the somber essence of remembrance.

Ypern Erinnern

Alfred Ost

A depiction of handmaidens in ancient Egypt by John Collier.

Pharaos Dienstmädchen

John Collier

Vasily Vereshchagin's 'After a success' captures a moment of triumph in a historical context.

Nach einem Erfolg

Vasily Vereshchagin

A historical painting depicting Antiochus returning Scipio's son, showcasing dignified figures and classical architecture.

Antiochos schickt Scipios Sohn zurück

Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres

This artwork depicts a historical scene featuring Sorori Shinzaemon and Hideyoshi.

Sorori Shinzaemon und Hideyoshi

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

A historical painting depicting the inauguration of Åbo Akademi University.

Die Einweihung der Åbo Akademi Universität

Albert Edelfelt

A study of a king figure for the painting ‘Death of Barbara Radziwiłł’ by Józef Simmler.

Studie der Königfigur für das Gemälde ‚Tod von Barbara Radziwiłł‘

Józef Simmler

Hugues Merle's painting depicts Esther before Ahasuerus, showcasing a dramatic moment in a historical narrative.

Esther vor Ahasverus

Hugues Merle

This artwork is a study for the painting 'Queen Jadwiga's Oath' by Józef Simmler.

Studie von Figuren für das Gemälde ‘Der Eid der Königin Jadwiga’

Józef Simmler

This artwork depicts Hōjō Takatoki warding off Tengu with his fan.

Hōjō Takatoki, Herr von Sagami, vertreibt Tengu mit seinem Fächer

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

This painting depicts the robes of Jaśko of Tęczyn for the historical painting ‘Queen’s Jadwiga’s Oath’ by Józef Simmler.

Studie der Gewänder von Jaśko von Tęczyn für das Gemälde ‚Der Eid der Königin Jadwiga‘

Józef Simmler

This painting depicts soldiers in a forest setting, showcasing August von Pettenkofen's attention to detail.

Wald mit Soldaten

August von Pettenkofen

A depiction of the chaotic battle scene from The Battle of Anghiari by Leonardo da Vinci.

Die Schlacht von Anghiari

Leonardo da Vinci

A sketch depicting Tadeusz Kościuszko rallying Polish forces at the Battle of Racławice.

Kościuszko in Racławice, Skizze

Jan Matejko

Adolf Schrödter's painting 'Wilhelm Tell' depicts the legendary Swiss hero in a dramatic scene.

Wilhelm Tell

Adolf Schrödter

Jan Matejko's study of Joan of Arc captures her moment of inspiration.

Lied - Studie für das Gemälde Johanna von Orléans

Jan Matejko

A sketch of Saint Louis, a French King on the Crusade, depicted in armor with courtiers around him.

Heiliger Ludwig, ein französischer König im Kreuzzug (eine Skizze)

Jan Matejko

A young woman stands at a castle door, torn between duty and love, holding a letter.

Tochter des Castellans

Jan Matejko

A golden carriage drawn by white horses approaches the Château de Chambord, surrounded by courtiers and soldiers under ancient trees.

Ankunft von Ludwig XIV in Chambord

Adam Frans van der Meulen

A study painting by Józef Simmler related to 'The Death of Barbara Radziwiłł'.

Fragment der Bettdecke von Quinn. Studie zum Gemälde ‘Der Tod von Barbara Radziwiłł’

Józef Simmler

A Cuirassier soldier in a detailed uniform, seated on a horse with a dramatic backdrop.

Kürassier

Jean-Baptiste Édouard Detaille

A historical painting of Bayard refusing gifts from his hostess in Brescia.

Bayard, der die Geschenke seiner Gastgeberin in Brescia ablehnt

Anne Louis Girodet-Trioson

A depiction of two Greek warriors in a classical setting.

Zwei griechische Krieger

Lawrence Alma-Tadema

A somber procession of mourners at President Sadi Carnot's funeral in Paris.

Der Tag von Carnots Beerdigung

Charles Dana Gibson

This artwork features studies for the painting 'The Oath of Queen Jadwiga' by Józef Simmler.

Quinns Kleidung und ein Draperie. Studien zum Gemälde ‘Der Eid der Königin Jadwiga’

Józef Simmler

Jan Matejko's painting depicts the alchemist Michał Sędziwój in a moment of intense experimentation.

Alchemist Sendivogius

Jan Matejko

A group of soldiers stands proudly with Napoleon at the forefront, dressed in military uniforms.

Napoleon mit seinen Truppen

Jean-Baptiste Édouard Detaille

The Battle of Sannō Shrine at Tōeizan Temple depicts a historical event with vibrant colors and dynamic figures.

Die Schlacht des Sannō-Schreins im Tōeizan-Tempel

Tsukioka Yoshitoshi

This painting depicts a tense moment between Cromwell and Charles I.

Cromwell und Karl I.

Paul Delaroche

This painting depicts a scene of Constantinople with a focus on its vibrant colors and intricate details.

Man hört die Kanone in Konstantinopel

Gerda Wegener

This painting depicts a scene rich in symbolism and emotional depth.

Vikingskalender – VII Teleurstelling

Alfred Ost

A painting titled 'Vikingskalender – X Staus Quo' by Alfred Ost.

Vikingskalender – X Staus Quo

Alfred Ost

A dynamic scene of two Arab riders on horseback, with horses in mid-stride and a sunlit background.

Araber zu Pferd

Adolf Schreyer

A dramatic scene depicting Judith with the head of Holofernes, showcasing Turner's unique brushwork.

Die Procuress; (?) Judith mit dem Kopf von Holofernes

Joseph Mallord William Turner

Vasily Vereshchagin's 'Kyrgyz' captures a moment in Kyrgyz culture.

Kirgistan

Vasily Vereshchagin