Explore the relationship between Dame Paula Rego’s monumental painting and the 15th-century altarpiece and National Gallery staff that inspired it.
During a two-year residency at the National Gallery, Paula Rego created this spectacular mural, inspired by a panel in Carlo Crivelli's altarpiece La Madonna della Rondine (The Madonna of the Swallow). Rego, considered one of the most important artists of her generation, reimagined the house and garden depicted by Crivelli, to explore the stories, experiences and representation of women from the bible, folklore, mythology and medieval legend. Other people portrayed include friends, family and even members of staff at the National Gallery; sketches of her cast of sitters are also on display. The exhibition offers a deeper insight into Rego's creative process and celebrates how she became an inspiration to a new generation of artists and writers.

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National Gallery
Trafalgar Square, London, Greater London, WC2N 5DN
020 7747 2885
Opening times
Daily 10am-6pm (Fri 10am-9pm).
Closed 24-26 Dec and 1 Jan.
Exclusions and safety measures
The National Gallery aims to make access to the paintings enjoyable and welcoming to the widest possible public. There are a range of facilities to help you see the collection, visit exhibitions and come to events ranging from step free access to Changing Places toilets.
We recommend booking your free entrance ticket in advance online to make sure that capacity is monitored and to limit queuing, ensuring your visit is as enjoyable as possible. However, if there is capacity available on the day you will not need a ticket.
For visitors with access requirements please call us on +44 (0)20 7747 2885.
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