Taken from a bas-relief in marble by Ernst Rietchel, a renowned 19th century European sculptor. 'The Angel is represented in the form of a graceful youth floating in the air with the infant saviour in his arms; two infant Angels attend his course. This group has a peculiar charm from the beauty of the heads and figures, the grace of the action, the suddenness of the movement impressed on the flying drapery, and the masterly yet tender handling of the marble'. Extract from the jurors commentary in the Art Journal Illustrated Catalogue of the Great Exhibition of 1851.

This panel from 'The Progress of Human Knowledge and Culture' shows the winning athletes passing by Pericles, Socrates and other Ancients. The aged Diagoras is carried on the shoulders of his victorious sons.

This detail from the sixth painting in 'The Progress of Human Knowledge and Culture' shows Lycurgus, William Penn, Alfred the Great and other famous lawgivers.

The painting was commissioned by the Society as part of a memorial to the Prince Consort's Presidency of the Society

An early portrait of the Irish history painter, James Barry, painted while he was studying in Rome. Blanchett who had settled in Italy, is known for his portraits of the exiled Stuarts.

Landseer awarded the lesser silver palette for this drawing, done when he was 11 years old.

Painted for the Society, of which Lord Romney was a founding member and President (1761-1793)

Part of the 1998 RSA collection

Portraits marks the 50th anniversary of the Queen's association with the RSA, first as President and then as Patron

Part of a pack of ten, all with slightly different designs. Developed from an original Christmas card design sold by the RSA in 1991

Part of a pack of ten, all with slightly different designs. Developed from an original Christmas card design sold by the RSA in 1991

Part of a pack of ten, all with slightly different designs. Developed from an original Christmas card design sold by the RSA in 1991

Part of a pack of ten, all with slightly different designs. Developed from an original Christmas card design sold by the RSA in 1991

Part of a pack of ten, all with slightly different designs. Developed from an original Christmas card design sold by the RSA in 1991

Part of a set of six postcards featuring designs by members of the Faculty of Royal Designers for Industry

Part of a set of six postcards featuring designs by members of the Faculty of Royal Designers for Industry

The first known Christmas card appeared in 1843. The artist was J C Horsley, RA, who carried out the work at the suggestion of Henry Cole, a staunch supporter of the Society and Chairman of Council in 1850 and 1852. 25,000 copies sold.

Original painting was awarded a prize of five guineas and a silver medal in 1759. The artist was 15 years old and the silver medal was given in addition to the advertised monetary prize 'as a further reward for her extraordinary merit'. Mary Moser was a founder member of the Royal Academy in 1768 and one of the first two women Academicians. 11,000 sold

Viscount Folkestone was the first President of the Society of Arts, 1755-1761. 13,000 sold