Sir Edward Poynter Painting Reproductions Gallery 1 of 1

Sir Edward John Poynter was an English painter, designer, and draughtsman who was born on March 20, 1836, in Paris, France and died on July 19, 1919, in London, England. He was a prominent member of the Victorian art world and is best known for his classical and historical paintings.

Early Life and Education: Poynter was born to a family of artists, including his father, Ambrose Poynter, who was an architect and artist. He showed a talent for art from a young age and began his formal training at the Royal Academy Schools in London in 1852.

In the 1860s, Poynter traveled to France, Italy, and Egypt, where he was influenced by the works of classical and Renaissance artists, as well as the ancient monuments and artifacts he saw. These travels had a lasting impact on his work and style, as he incorporated elements of classical mythology, archaeology, and architecture into many of his paintings.

Poynter was a technically skilled painter, known for his attention to detail and his ability to create a sense of grandeur in his large-scale works. He often used classical themes and allegories to convey moral or political messages, and his paintings often feature elaborate compositions, rich colors, and complex symbolism.

In addition to his work as a painter, Poynter was also involved in the administration of the art world. He served as the President of the Royal Academy from 1896 to 1918 and was a member of several other art organizations, including the Royal Society of Painters in Watercolours and the Royal Society of British Artists.

Throughout his career, Poynter worked in a variety of mediums, including oil paint, watercolor, and fresco, and his subjects ranged from classical myths and allegories to contemporary events and portraits. He was particularly known for his large-scale, allegorical paintings, such as "Israel in Egypt" (1867) and "The Sirens" (1878), which were popular with Victorian audiences.

In addition to his work as a painter, Poynter was also active in the art world as a teacher and administrator. He served as the President of the Royal Academy from 1896 to 1918, and was knighted by Queen Victoria in 1897 for his contributions to British art.

Today, Poynter's works can be found in numerous public collections, including the Tate Britain, the Victoria and Albert Museum, and the National Portrait Gallery in London. He is regarded as an important figure in the history of Victorian art and continues to be admired for his technical mastery and his ability to convey powerful allegorical themes through his paintings.