George Frederic Watts
25 of 31 portraits matching these criteria:
- set matching 'Victorian artists by David Wilkie Wynfield'
- Overview
- Extended Catalogue Entry
© National Portrait Gallery, London
George Frederic Watts
by David Wilkie Wynfield
albumen print, 1863
8 1/4 in. x 6 1/4 in. (210 mm x 160 mm)
Purchased, 1929
Primary Collection
NPG P86
Sitterback to top
- George Frederic Watts (1817-1904), Painter and sculptor; Trustee of the National Portrait Gallery. Sitter in 43 portraits, Artist or producer associated with 93 portraits.
Artistback to top
- David Wilkie Wynfield (1837-1887), Painter and photographer. Artist or producer associated with 34 portraits, Sitter in 2 portraits.
This portraitback to top
David Wilkie Wynfield was the founder of the group of artists known as the St. John's Wood Clique. His photograph of Watts is one of a series of leading artists and writers whom he represented in large, arresting close-ups wearing historical dress.
Linked publicationsback to top
- 100 Photographs, 2018, p. 32 Read entry
One of the most celebrated painters of the Victorian period, George Frederic Watts (1817-1904) is known for his allegorical and history works, in addition to his portraits - most notably his ‘Hall of Fame’ series, of which the National Portrait Gallery holds almost fifty canvases. This portrait of Watts by David Wilkie Wynfield (1837-87) is one of a series featuring leading artists and writers whom he represented wearing historical dress, in large, arresting close-ups. Victorian pioneer photographer Julia Margaret Cameron credited Wynfield as a major influence, and many qualities now associated with her work can be found in his portraits.
Linked displays and exhibitionsback to top
- Princes of Victorian Bohemia: Photographs by David Wilkie Wynfield (28 January 2000 - 14 May 2000)
Events of 1863back to top
Current affairs
The opening of the world's first underground railway, with the Metropolitan Railway running trains between Bishop's Street, Padington and Farringdon. Work had begun in 1860, using the 'cut-and-cover' method of construction. The Metropolitan line inspired the construction of other underground railways - the Parisian 'Metro' took its name from the line.The Football Association is founded.
Art and science
Julia Margaret Cameron takes up photography, taking portraits of some of the most celebrated figures of the day, with her romantic style capturing the sense of nostalgia and longing that characterised the age.Kingsley's Water Babies; A Fairy Tale for Children is published, the hugely popular tale of drowned chimney sweep Tom's moral education in the river world of the water babies. It inspired the 1978 film starring James Mason.
International
At an international conference, the Geneva Public Welfare Society calls on the sixteen nations present to form voluntary units to help the wartime wounded. The society, comprised of five Swiss citizens and led by Henri Dunant, who had been deeply affected by the casualties he had witnessed at the Battle of Solferino, became the National Red Cross Societies, adopting the emblem of a red cross on white background.Comments back to top
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