1 April 2008
A Passion for Victorian: G.F. Watts
Posted by Alison under: Antique; Art; History .
It was almost a year ago now that I first posted about Watts. A favourite of mine for some years, he is perhaps slightly lesser known than his contemporaries even though he painted many of the most famous people of his day and is acknowledged as one of the most significant figures of the Victorian art world.
George Frederic Watts (1817-1904) came from humble origins, and apparently was a self-taught artist. (Wish I was!) Some of his most famous images are that of his wife Ellen (Dame Ellen Terry, of the well-known acting family) though his marriage was a complete disaster and only lasted a year.
When I attended an exhibition marking the centenary of his death in 2004, I had seen few of his works, and was so struck by the beauty of them, I have been a fan ever since.
Watts was also a friend of the wonderful photographer Julia Margaret Cameron and her equally talented sisters. I shall post about her another time.
Here is my favourite:
Ellen Terry (aka Choosing) The National Portrait Gallery, London.
9 Comments so far...
Relax Max Says:
1 April 2008 at 10:30 pm.
Hi Alison. What a gorgeous painting! Can’t believe you don’t believe King Arthur was real. I do. 
Let me convince you with overwhe
joshuaun Says:
2 April 2008 at 2:13 am.
what is this picture’s background??
because every pic have their own background and story right???=)
Carol Says:
2 April 2008 at 7:22 am.
I would love to see this painting in person, because if it looks this good on a blog (no criticism intended) it must be glorious in real life. It isn’t just the nose, but the skin, lips, and her hands are very well done. If it was me trying to do that it would look like a child’s painting. I can see why you admire Watt’s work. Very well done indeed!
Elinor Vickers Says:
3 April 2008 at 3:05 pm.
Julia Margaret Cameron! My creative hero…..Genius!
She appears in an irreverent but funny novel you might enjoy, Tennysons Gift by Lynne Truss.
Mrs. Mecomber Says:
3 April 2008 at 11:06 pm.
Ooooo it’s beautiful! Much in the spirit of the Flemish masters, but definitely has a British touch (must be the roses). Are you familiar with the Hudson River School artists? mmmm
Babs Says:
4 April 2008 at 1:37 pm.
Beautiful painting. They certainly knew how to paint back then. I spent many a lunch hour at The National Gallery :O)
