Paula Rego

The first book to focus on Dame Paula Regos little-known monumental triptych, Crivellis Garden, featuring an original short story by novelist Chloe Aridjis, new photography, and an art historical essay Dame Paula Rego RA (19352022) was a British-Portuguese artist whose large-scale figurative paintings explored human relationships and the experience of women through compelling, often subversive compositions. Inspired by the predella panel of Carlo Crivellis altarpiece La Madonna della Rondine (after 1490), Rego produced Crivellis Garden in 199091 while she was artist in residence at the National Gallery. This monumental triptych reimagined the site of Crivellis panel as a radical space populated by female figures from myth, folklore, and the Bible, alongside animals drawn from Aesops fables and other classical texts. Literature was a major influence on Regos practice throughout her career: this publication in turn celebrates the far-reaching influence of Regos paintings with an original short story by Mexican novelist Chloe Aridjis, inspired by Regos triptych. Illustrated with previously unpublished preparatory drawings and newly photographed details of the painting, the book also features an art historical essay on the work. Published by National Gallery Global/Distributed by Yale University Press Exhibition Schedule: The National Gallery, London; (July 20October 29, 2023)