Artist. An English painter and sculptor, he specialized in historical and allegorical subjects. In his time he was called "The Victorian Michaelangelo". Watts knew most of the Pre-Raphaelites, and was an important influence on the younger members of the movement. However, he was part of no school or group, and maintained an individual vision. His first major work was "Caratacus Led in Triumph through the Streets of Rome", which won a prize of 300 guineas and was exhibited in Westminster Hall in 1842. He gave away many of his paintings, among them a version of "Love and Life", described by The Magazine of Art as "without question one of the most beautiful canvases he has ever executed". It was sent to the Chicago Exhibition of 1893, and then presented as a gift to the American nation as his contribution to a permanent gallery. The painting was accepted by a Special Act of Congress, but in the President's absence it was not allowed to be displayed in the White House because it was considered obscene. Watts was first married to actress Ellen Terry, but her youth and wish for a career led to their separation after a year. He later married Mary Fraser Tytler, a Scottish designer.
Artist. An English painter and sculptor, he specialized in historical and allegorical subjects. In his time he was called "The Victorian Michaelangelo". Watts knew most of the Pre-Raphaelites, and was an important influence on the younger members of the movement. However, he was part of no school or group, and maintained an individual vision. His first major work was "Caratacus Led in Triumph through the Streets of Rome", which won a prize of 300 guineas and was exhibited in Westminster Hall in 1842. He gave away many of his paintings, among them a version of "Love and Life", described by The Magazine of Art as "without question one of the most beautiful canvases he has ever executed". It was sent to the Chicago Exhibition of 1893, and then presented as a gift to the American nation as his contribution to a permanent gallery. The painting was accepted by a Special Act of Congress, but in the President's absence it was not allowed to be displayed in the White House because it was considered obscene. Watts was first married to actress Ellen Terry, but her youth and wish for a career led to their separation after a year. He later married Mary Fraser Tytler, a Scottish designer.
Bio by: julia&keld
Family Members
Advertisement
