Art

Mark Bryant discovers the world’s first cartoon character, who sold large numbers of books, and all manner of merchandising.

Andrew Robinson recalls conversations with the famous director about his work, and in particular the recently re-released Urdu film, The Chess Players, made in the 1970s, which explores events surrounding the British annexation of Oudh in 1856.

Mark Bryant describes the life and works of Abu Abraham, the Observer’s first ever political cartoonist.

Mark Bryant looks at the work of the Punch artist whose drawings symbolized British anger over the Indian Mutiny and established his own reputation.

Andrew Ellis introduces a huge on-going project to publish a series of catalogues showing every oil painting in public ownership in the United Kingdom.

Christine Riding looks at William Hogarth’s particular view of the street life of 18th-century London, and at what his interpretation presents in comparison with the artistic offerings of his Continental competitors.

Canaletto’s rich legacy of work made over a decade spent in England is the subject of a new exhibition at Dulwich Picture Gallery. Denise Silvester-Carr tells how the Venetian artist, long popular with the British, crossed the Channel to revive his fortunes.

Cartoon historian Mark Bryant looks at the origins of the satirical magazine that has attracted a generation of outstanding cartoonists.

Cartoon historian Mark Bryant looks at the origins of some of Dickens’ best-loved characters, and finds clues in the work of cartoonists of the novelist’s youth.

Jonathan Conlin asks what the National Gallery has meant to the cultural and civic life of Britain since its foundation in 1824.