Walter Crane as Cimabue

Sitterback to top

• Walter Crane (1845-1915), Illustrator, designer, painter and socialist. Sitter in 17 portraits.

Artistback to top

• Sir Emery Walker (1851-1933), Process-engraver and printer. Artist associated with 109 portraits, Sitter in 10 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Sir Emery Walker's photographs of Walter Crane are a testament to the enduring appeal of fancy dress amongst artistic circles, and to the intellectual interests that underpinned these masquerades. A notable distinction of the nineteenth-century society's engagement with medievalism was their use of costume as a means of manifesting the past. Walter Crane was a leading illustrator and decorative artist, whose work encouraged a Medieval revival. The source of the imagery for this picture dates back to 1884, when Crane devised a tableau vivant celebrating the 'Arts of Italy' to help mark the re-inauguration of the Royal Institute of Painters in Watercolour in Piccadilly.

Subjects & Themesback to top

• Carpets and textiles
• Hats and head-attire
• In Character