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Ernest Crofts Most Popular Paintings

The 22 artworks by Ernest Crofts our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 22 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide Ernest Crofts · 1847 – 1911

A Roundhead on horseback, Ernest Crofts

Discover 'A Roundhead on Horseback' by Ernest Crofts – a dramatic Romantic oil painting of a knight. Explore its detailed realism & melancholic mood. #art #history #painting

View the most popular artwork of Ernest Crofts ranked #1: A Roundhead on horseback

Art Movement: Romanticism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 22 artworks by Ernest Crofts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17726 × 39 cm Commission this artwork

Ernest Crofts: Napoleon bonaparte

View the most popular artwork of Ernest Crofts ranked #2: Napoleon bonaparte

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 22 artworks by Ernest Crofts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Whitehall

Ernest Crofts’ "Whitehall" (c. 1870s) is a dramatic oil painting depicting a historical execution scene. Explore its realism, muted tones & hierarchical composition – a key piece of 19th-century British art.

Art Movement: Historical Realism
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 22 artworks by Ernest Crofts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$30228 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Wellington's March From Quatre Bras To Waterloo

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 22 artworks by Ernest Crofts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17744 × 23 cm Commission this artwork

Oliver Cromwell Questioning A Prisoner

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 22 artworks by Ernest Crofts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Wallenstein

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 22 artworks by Ernest Crofts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$35240 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

Oliver Cromwell At The Blue Boar In Holborn

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 22 artworks by Ernest Crofts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Cromwell after the Battle of Marston Moor

Admire Ernest Crofts’ ‘Cromwell after Marston Moor,’ a dramatic historical painting capturing 17th-century battle chaos. Authentic reproduction art for your collection.

Art Movement: Historical Painting
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 22 artworks by Ernest Crofts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17738 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Ernest Crofts: On the evening of the Battle of Waterloo

View the most popular artwork of Ernest Crofts ranked #9: On the evening of the Battle of Waterloo

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 22 artworks by Ernest Crofts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17742 × 24 cm Commission this artwork

The Funeral of King Charles I - St. George's Chapel

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 22 artworks by Ernest Crofts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17739 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

The Morning Of The Battle Of Waterloo

Explore 'The Morning of Waterloo' by Ernest Crofts – a dramatic Romantic painting depicting the brutal aftermath of battle. Discover realism & emotion in this large-scale historical masterpiece.

Art Movement: Romanticism

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 22 artworks by Ernest Crofts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20243 × 23 cm Commission this artwork

The Boscobel Oak, Ernest Crofts

Explore 'The Boscobel Oak' by Ernest Crofts – a dramatic 19th-century historical painting of military action in a rural landscape. Oil on canvas, masterful realism & evocative detail.

View the most popular artwork of Ernest Crofts ranked #12: The Boscobel Oak

Art Movement: Historical Painting

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 22 artworks by Ernest Crofts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$22737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Wellington At Waterloo

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 22 artworks by Ernest Crofts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Charles I

Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 22 artworks by Ernest Crofts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17739 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

The Outpost – Ernest Crofts

View the most popular artwork of Ernest Crofts ranked #15: The Outpost

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 22 artworks by Ernest Crofts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Cromwell At The Storming Of Basing House by Ernest Crofts

Witness Cromwell’s command at Basing House! This dramatic 18th-century oil painting captures a pivotal siege with rich detail & dynamic realism. Explore military history!

View the most popular artwork of Ernest Crofts ranked #16: Cromwell At The Storming Of Basing House

Art Movement: Contemporary Realism
Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 22 artworks by Ernest Crofts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$35238 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Queen Elizabeth I Opening The Royal Exchange

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 22 artworks by Ernest Crofts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Charles I On His Way To Execution

Witness 'Charles I On His Way To Execution' by Ernest Crofts – a poignant 19th-century historical painting. Explore its realism, dramatic lighting & evocative scene. Hand-painted reproductions available.

Art Movement: Historical Genre Painting
Color Palette: Earthy

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 22 artworks by Ernest Crofts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17739 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Ernest Crofts: The Last Stand Of The Gunpowder Conpirators

View the most popular artwork of Ernest Crofts ranked #19: The Last Stand Of The Gunpowder Conpirators

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 22 artworks by Ernest Crofts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17738 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

The Funeral Of Charles I by Ernest Crofts

View the most popular artwork of Ernest Crofts ranked #20: The Funeral Of Charles I

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 22 artworks by Ernest Crofts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17739 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

The Morning Of Waterloo – Ernest Crofts

View the most popular artwork of Ernest Crofts ranked #21: The Morning Of Waterloo

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 22 artworks by Ernest Crofts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$52740 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

The Battle Of Marston Moor

Color Palette: Neutrals

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 22 artworks by Ernest Crofts
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17738 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

The artist

Ernest Crofts

1847 – 1911

Quick facts

Top 3 worksA Roundhead on horseback, Napoleon bonaparte, Whitehall
Died1911
Works on APS22
Also known asЭрнест Крофтс, 歐內斯特·克羅夫茨
NationalityUnited Kingdom
Lifespan64 years
Color intensitybalanced, monochromatic

Biography

Ernest Crofts: A Master of Military History

Born in Leeds, England, in 1847, Ernest Crofts (RA) emerged as a significant figure in 19th-century British art, primarily recognized for his dramatic and meticulously rendered historical and military scenes. His life was inextricably linked to the tumultuous events of his time, particularly the Franco-Prussian War and the English Civil War, experiences that profoundly shaped his artistic vision and fueled his dedication to capturing pivotal moments with remarkable accuracy and emotional intensity. His lineage – a Justice of the Peace in Leeds, a vicar’s grandson, and a connection to the renowned Wordsworth family – provided him with a stable yet intellectually stimulating background, fostering an appreciation for both tradition and artistic exploration.

Crofts' early education at Rugby School laid the groundwork for his future pursuits. However, it was his relocation to Berlin that proved transformative, igniting a deep passion for art and ultimately leading him to commit to a career as a painter. This period marked a crucial shift; he immersed himself in European artistic traditions, particularly those of Düsseldorf, where he studied under Emil Hünten, a former pupil of Horace Vernet – a celebrated military artist for the Prussian Emperor. Hünten’s influence was paramount, instilling in Crofts a rigorous approach to depicting battle scenes, emphasizing realism, composition, and the psychological impact of warfare. The lessons learned within the Düsseldorf school instilled a deep respect for historical detail and a keen eye for capturing the nuances of human experience amidst conflict.

Early Military Experiences & Breakthroughs

Crofts’ artistic journey gained momentum during the Schleswig-Holstein War in 1864, an event that provided his first direct encounter with military life. Accompanying a Prussian doctor, he witnessed firsthand the brutal realities of combat around Düppel, an experience that would later inform many of his paintings. This exposure wasn't merely observational; it was deeply formative, shaping his understanding of war’s devastation and its profound effect on individuals. His sister, Ellen Wordsworth Crofts, married Sir Francis Darwin, a connection to the renowned naturalist Charles Darwin, further enriching his intellectual environment.

1874 marked a pivotal year for Crofts' career. His painting “Retreat,” depicting an episode from the Franco-Prussian War at Gravelotte, was exhibited at the Royal Academy and secured him the prestigious Crystal Palace Prize Medal – a testament to its technical brilliance and compelling narrative. The subsequent work, "One Touch of Nature Makes the Whole World Kin," continued the theme of the war, showcasing his ability to capture both the grand scale of battle and the intimate details of human suffering. These early successes established Crofts as a rising star in the British art scene, demonstrating his talent for translating historical events into powerful visual narratives.

London Years & Royal Academy Recognition

Returning to London, Crofts continued to refine his skills under A.B. Clay but soon found himself drawn back to Düsseldorf, where he established a home and cultivated relationships with fellow artists. It was in Germany that he met his future wife, further solidifying his artistic life. He consistently contributed to the annual Royal Academy exhibition, showcasing his evolving style and expanding his audience. His work during this period reflected a growing mastery of composition, color, and light – elements crucial for conveying the drama and intensity of his chosen subjects.

Notable works from this era include “Ligny” (1875), exhibited at both the Royal Academy and the International Exhibition in Philadelphia, and "The Morning of the Battle of Waterloo" (1896), a monumental painting that captured the dawn of the battle with remarkable detail. These paintings demonstrated his ability to not only depict military action but also to evoke the atmosphere and emotions associated with such events. The critic’s description of “The Morning of the Battle of Waterloo” as reminiscent of the French school highlights Crofts' commitment to realism and his understanding of capturing a specific mood or feeling within a historical scene.

Later Career & Legacy

In 1878, Crofts was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy, followed by full academician status in 1896. His later works often focused on the English Civil War, including depictions of Oliver Cromwell at Marston Moor and a series exploring the final moments of Charles I. He also undertook commissions for contemporary events, such as painting the distribution of war medals following the Boer War and a memorial portrait of Queen Victoria. Notably, he served as Keeper and Trustee of the Royal Academy from 1896 to 1911, overseeing its art schools and managing its extensive collection – a role that demanded both firmness and kindness, qualities he possessed in abundance.

Ernest Crofts’ legacy extends beyond his individual paintings. He represents a significant bridge between Romanticism and the more realistic tendencies of late 19th-century art. His meticulous attention to detail, combined with his ability to convey the drama and emotional weight of historical events, cemented his place as one of Britain's foremost military painters. His work continues to be studied and admired for its technical skill, narrative power, and enduring depiction of pivotal moments in history. A memorial dedicated to him stands in Holy Trinity Blythburgh, a fitting tribute to an artist who spent his life capturing the echoes of war and the complexities of human experience.

Questions & Answers

In which historical period did Ernest Crofts work?

Ernest Crofts worked in the 19th-Century period. The period situates the artist's activity in history.

Is there a chronological account of Ernest Crofts?

The Chronicle of Ernest Crofts is a scroll-driven timeline that presents the artist's works in chronological order, grouped into career-period chapters.

Where can I see Ernest Crofts's artworks in a 3D gallery?

A virtual visit is possible: the 3D Museum page of Ernest Crofts presents the artist's works in a three-dimensional gallery.

By the WikiOO.org Editorial Team Updated Sept. 1, 2026

Collector's quiz

Ernest Crofts is primarily known for his paintings of which historical period?
Where did Ernest Crofts initially study art, developing a particular interest in military scenes?
Which of the following events significantly influenced Crofts' artistic style and subject matter?
What prestigious award did Crofts receive for his painting 'One Touch of Nature Makes the Whole World Kin'?
Ernest Crofts’ sister, Ellen Wordsworth Crofts, was famously married to which prominent figure?

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