Collection Insight: Execution of a Traitor
4 November 2025
Millions of people across the UK have been glued to 'The Celebrity Traitors' over the last few weeks. The first episode alone has been watched by over 12 million. The series has captivated audiences with its mix of plotting, backstabbing, trust and contestants and culminates on 6 November. Who will be victorious? Will those who are Faithful successfully banish all the Traitors in time?
This oil on canvas from The Box’s art collection is called Mount Batten, siege of Plymouth, Execution of a Traitor.
John Seymour Lucas (1849-1923), the artist who created it, was a distinguished British painter celebrated for his portraits and meticulously researched historical scenes. Born into an artistic family in London, he originally trained as a wood carver before studying at the Royal Academy Schools.
Lucas was fascinated with recreating moments from Britain's past and specialised in intimate domestic scenes and dramatic episodes. He had a real talent for blending historical accuracy with theatrical flair.
His works often featured scenes from events such as the Spanish Armada, the English Civil War and the Jacobite rebellions. His amazing attention to detail was demonstrated through his depictions of period costume, architecture and interior decoration. He was especially known for ‘his ability to capture the texture of fabrics and the gleam of armour’. His paintings frequently told stories of loyalty, betrayal, romance and conflict – themes which had wide appeal with Victorian audiences who had an appetite for historical drama and tales of morality.
Lucas exhibited regularly at the Royal Academy from 1872 and enjoyed considerable commercial success. He was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy in 1886 and became a full Royal Academician in 1898. Although his highly detailed style of painting fell out of fashion in the early 1900s, his works continue to be appreciated for their technical skill and storytelling.
This sombre scene set in front of our distinctive Mount Batten Tower displays all of Lucas’ talents. It could almost have been taken from a film and depicts an event from what is widely believed to be one of the most significant and stubborn episodes from the first of the three Civil Wars that were fought between Charles I and Parliament between 1642 and 1651.
When conflict broke out between the Royalists who were loyal to Charles I and the Parliamentarians, Plymouth declared for Parliament. Royalist forces surrounded Plymouth from late 1642, hoping to starve it into surrender but the town stood firm for four long years. The siege fizzled out at the start of 1646 as Royalist strength crumbled.
Find out more about the seige of Plymouth.