'This work brings together detailed observation and geometric simplicity in the still life painting. The Leonardo sketch in the background refers to the famous painting in the National Gallery, London - the Virgin of the Rocks. I think Leonardo, a keen observer of the natural world, would have enjoyed the botanical detail of Symons’s henbane and the harmonious composition and colour of the whole work.'

Chosen by Rebecca Lyons, Director of Collections & Learning, The Royal Academy of Arts

'The reason I love this painting is because Letitia Sage looks so fierce, her hat is so remarkable, and the painting tells a brilliant story about her role as the first female aeronaut through the tiny hot air balloon visible behind her.'

Chosen by Dr Katy Barrett, Curator of Art Collections, Science Museum

'The highly regarded Welsh figurative artist Claudia Williams studied at the Chelsea School of Art and is known for the warmth of her scenes and her highly skilled use of colour and composition. In 1995, whilst living and working in Brittany for 15 years she and her husband the notable Welsh landscape artist Gwilym Prichard were awarded the Silver Medal from the Academy of Sciences, Letters and Arts in Paris in recognition of their contribution to the arts in France and Brittany.'

Chosen by Morfudd Bevan, Art Curator, The National Library of Wales

(Welsh below)

'I find this painting, The New Bonnet, by William Orpen really intriguing. The air of uncertainty suggested by the expression on the subject’s face conveys a sense of emotional tension which is heightened by the muted colours and shadowy background.'

Chosen by Dr Samantha Howard, Curator of Arts, The Potteries Museum & Art Gallery

'I love the expressive riot of colour and texture in this painting which is typical of Houston’s earlier semi-abstract works. It is currently on display in the exhibition Scottish Art School: A New Way of Seeing at Perth Museum and Art Gallery.'

Chosen by Rhona Sullivan, Acting Head of Museums and Collections, Culture Perth and Kinross

'This is such a mesmerising image. To present day eyes, it’s quite stiff and strange, but it lets your imagination run wild wondering about the circumstances that found these two women and children portrayed together in a bed. It appears to be quite a naïve painting, but look closely and you will see how detailed and complex it is. It is much more than just a provincial portrait, it’s a wonderful example of how art is a valuable tool to investigate the past, and a rare glimpse of women who are often hidden from history.'

Chosen by Stephanie Boydell, Curator, Manchester Metropolitan University Special Collections

'I recently revisited the Stanley Spencer Gallery in Cookham after some research into how this jewel of a volunteer-run museum has fared during the pandemic. This huge unfinished canvas never fails to fill me with awe – through its minute detail, its impossible perspective and the insight it offers into the artist’s view of the world.’

Chosen by Helen Record, Curatorial Assistant, The Royal Academy of Arts

'This is a portrait of Anne Estelle Rice, who was an American artist and illustrator and also one time partner of JD Fergusson. I love this painting for so many reasons, but particularly the floral background, fauve-inspired flash of green around her face and huge, oversized hat.'

Chosen by Amy Fairley, Art Collections Officer, Culture Perth and Kinross

'In 1949 James Cumming travelled to the Isle of Lewis and developed a painting language all his own. Cumming was an amazing artist who never stood still, and although the figuration he developed in Lewis returned in later works inspired by puppetry and the theatre, in later life he turned to interpreting biological and aeronautical themes in a very different, but equally impressive, abstract style.'

Chosen by Sandy Wood, Collections Curator, Royal Scottish Academy

'This is a small, portable diptych that was painted in the late fourteenth century. It was made for Richard II towards the end of his life and his emblem, a white hart, or stag, is painted on the outside. The art work was first brought to my attention during a medieval history lecture at university and I’ve loved it ever since. The fact that it is over 600 years old blows my mind!'

Chosen by Amy Fairley, Art Collections Officer, Culture Perth and Kinross

'This has been one of my favourite paintings for thirty years, not the most famous of Gwen John’s works, but exquisite, the contemplative poise balanced with the freshness of the model’s tender age and the immediacy of the paint (there is even an area which appears to be a hair ribbon which has been scraped down and left). On ArtUK, alongside Gwen John’s famous works, you can also see many other little-known pieces – drawings, unfinished paintings - and get a real insight into her work.'

Chosen by Alicia Foster, art historian, curator and novelist

'This painting is actually from the Scottish Maritime Museum collection, but is on display at present in Perth Museum and Art Gallery. The detail included in this work is fantastic, primarily due to its sheer size. I could stare at it for hours.'

Chosen by David McLeod, Marketing Officer, Culture Perth and Kinross