Rule Britannia
- Artist: Spencer Gore
- Date: 1910
- Medium: Oil paint on canvas
- Dimensions: unconfirmed: 762 x 635 mm
- Museum: Tate Britain
- Collection record: Tate Britain website
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About this artwork
This is “Rule Britannia” by Spencer Gore. Painted in 1910, this oil on canvas measures roughly 762 × 635 mm. It captures the climactic finale of the popular patriotic ballet *Our Flag*, which debuted at the Alhambra Theatre in Leicester Square in December 1909. The work shows Danish ballerina Britta Petersen as the Spirit of the Flag, dancing triumphantly in a Union‑Jack tutu. Around her stand symbolic figures representing England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, celebrating a united Britain. The scene is all glitter and vigor, a celebration of national pride, yet it deliberately overlooks the complex, often turbulent history between the nations.
Gore, a frequent observer of theatre, ballet and music hall, often sketched from his seat in the audience. His fascination with the performative spectacle comes through in the lively brushwork and the vivid, almost theatrical composition. The painting offers a snapshot of early 20‑century British popular culture, where national identity was being celebrated on the stage and in the canvas.
See it in person
Rule Britannia is in the collection of Tate Britain on Millbank, London — free to enter. Point your phone at any artwork there and audioguide.london plays a free audio guide in six languages — no app download needed.
