George Frederic Watts (1817 - 1904)

George Frederic Watts (1817 - 1904) - photo 1

George Frederic Watts

George Frederic Watts was a distinguished British painter and sculptor associated with the Symbolist movement, celebrated for his allegorical works such as "Hope" and "Love and Life." Born in 1817, Watts's career spanned the Victorian era, during which he developed a style that sought to imbue his works with moral and philosophical depth. His ambition was to affect the viewer's mind through "nobility of line and color," aiming to elevate art to a medium of serious reflection and commentary on humanity's condition​​​​.

George Frederic Watts's early influences included the Elgin Marbles and the works of Titian, which inspired him to strive for a grandeur in his art that was both morally uplifting and aesthetically profound. He was a part of the vibrant cultural milieu of the Victorian era, mingling with notable figures of the time in the Prinsep circle of bohemians and contributing significantly to the artistic and intellectual life of 19th-century Britain​​​​.

Among Watts's most celebrated works are "Hope," featuring a blindfolded figure with a lyre, and "The Sower of the Systems," a visionary piece that prefigured abstract painting and explored themes of creation and the cosmos. This latter work, completed towards the end of his life, exemplifies Watts's lifelong fascination with the interplay between art, science, and spirituality​​​​.

George Frederic Watts's legacy is preserved in the Watts Gallery in Compton, Surrey, dedicated to his work, and through his contributions to public art, including the monumental sculpture "Physical Energy" in Kensington Gardens, London. His portraits of prominent Victorians, which include political, literary, and cultural figures, remain highly regarded for their insight and depth​​​​.

For those interested in the intersections of art, culture, and history, George Frederic Watts's work offers a rich exploration of Victorian values, aspirations, and anxieties. His enduring influence on British art and his role in the Symbolist movement make his work a key subject of study for collectors and experts in art and antiques.

To stay informed about exhibitions, sales, and events related to George Frederic Watts, signing up for updates is recommended. This will ensure that enthusiasts and collectors alike are always up-to-date on opportunities to engage with Watts's impactful legacy.

Date and place of birt:23 february 1817, London, United Kingdom
Date and place of death:1 july 1904, London, United Kingdom
Nationality:United Kingdom
Period of activity: XIX, XX century
Specialization:Artist, Painter, Sculptor
Genre:Allegory, Mythological painting, Portrait
Art style:Symbolism

Creators United Kingdom

David Bailey (1938)
David Bailey
1938
John Schuppe ()
John Schuppe
Eduard Ender (1822 - 1883)
Eduard Ender
1822 - 1883
Luke Clennell (1781 - 1840)
Luke Clennell
1781 - 1840
Keith Vaughan (1912 - 1977)
Keith Vaughan
1912 - 1977
Anne Seymour Damer (1748 - 1828)
Anne Seymour Damer
1748 - 1828
Stephen James Napier Tennant (1906 - 1987)
Stephen James Napier Tennant
1906 - 1987
Patience Lovell Wright (1725 - 1786)
Patience Lovell Wright
1725 - 1786
Ian Hamilton Finlay (1925 - 2006)
Ian Hamilton Finlay
1925 - 2006
William Gale (1823 - 1909)
William Gale
1823 - 1909
Patrick Hughes (1939)
Patrick Hughes
1939
Reginald Beauchamp (1910 - 2000)
Reginald Beauchamp
1910 - 2000
Hugh Scott-Douglas (1988)
Hugh Scott-Douglas
1988
Frederick Landseer Griggs (1876 - 1938)
Frederick Landseer Griggs
1876 - 1938
John Hoppner (1758 - 1810)
John Hoppner
1758 - 1810
Francis Wheatley (1747 - 1801)
Francis Wheatley
1747 - 1801

Creators Symbolism

Aristarkh Vasilyevich Lentulov (1882 - 1943)
Aristarkh Vasilyevich Lentulov
1882 - 1943
Gabrielle Montald (Canivet) (1867 - 1942)
Gabrielle Montald (Canivet)
1867 - 1942
Aleister Crowley (1875 - 1947)
Aleister Crowley
1875 - 1947
Antoine Joseph Wiertz (1806 - 1865)
Antoine Joseph Wiertz
1806 - 1865
Louis Picard (1861 - 1940)
Louis Picard
1861 - 1940
Ker-Xavier Roussel (1867 - 1944)
Ker-Xavier Roussel
1867 - 1944
Hans von Marees (1837 - 1887)
Hans von Marees
1837 - 1887
Gabriel Max (1840 - 1915)
Gabriel Max
1840 - 1915
Felice Casorati (1883 - 1963)
Felice Casorati
1883 - 1963
Carl Mediz (1868 - 1945)
Carl Mediz
1868 - 1945
Jeanne Mammen (1890 - 1976)
Jeanne Mammen
1890 - 1976
Angelo Barabino (1883 - 1950)
Angelo Barabino
1883 - 1950
Nikolai Alexandrovich Tarkhov (1871 - 1930)
Nikolai Alexandrovich Tarkhov
1871 - 1930
Hans Thoma (1839 - 1924)
Hans Thoma
1839 - 1924
Émile Louis Picault (1833 - 1915)
Émile Louis Picault
1833 - 1915
Boris Izrailevich Anisfeld (1878 - 1973)
Boris Izrailevich Anisfeld
1878 - 1973