The artwork “John Wycliffe Reading His Translation of the Bible to John of Gaunt” was created by Ford Madox Brown in 1847. This oil on canvas measures 153 by 119.5 centimeters and is a notable example of religious painting within the Romanticism movement. It presently resides in Bradford Museums and Galleries, located in Bradford, UK.
In the artwork, we see a central figure identified as John Wycliffe, standing and reading from a book, which one may infer to be his translation of the Bible, based on the title. His intense gaze and expressive mouth suggest he is engaged in a passionate oration. To his right stands John of Gaunt, exhibiting a contemplative demeanor, with his hand placed thoughtfully on his chin as he listens attentively to Wycliffe. The interaction between these two characters likely represents a significant moment in religious history concerning the dissemination of biblical texts in the vernacular.
The composition is rich with detailed figures and an architectural background that opens onto a landscape, both of which contribute to a narrative atmosphere. Two medallion portraits decorate the corners of the art piece, which appear to be observing the scene below. The portrait on the left shows a man bearing a cross, while the right portrait features a lady reading a book. The group to the left of Wycliffe includes a young man in armor, appearing earnest, and a child carrying books, suggesting themes of learning and the spread of knowledge. On the right, attentive figures, including a woman holding a child and a well-adorned nobleman in a relaxed pose, complete the gathering, each absorbed in Wycliffe’s reading. Various religious and heraldic motifs adorn the setting, enhancing the thematic context of the artwork and underscoring its historical and religious significance.
