Evelyn De Morgan

Evelyn De Morgan

Evelyn De Morgan was born on August 30th, 1855

Full Name: Mary Evelyn De Morgan
Place of Birth: London, England
Nationality: English
Occupation: Painter
Birth Date: August 30, 1855
Death Date: May 2, 1919
Genre: Symbolism
Spouse: William De Morgan

A British artist celebrated for her dreamlike, symbolic, and often mythological paintings that explored themes of love, death, and feminism. Her work is characterized by vivid colors, intricate details, and a sense of mysticism.

Written by: Cassandra Blake Cassandra Blake

Evelyn De Morgan: The Visionary Painter of Spiritual and Feminist Themes

Evelyn De Morgan was a renowned English painter known for her extraordinary works that embodied spiritual, mythological, and allegorical themes, primarily focusing on the female body. Her unique style, which blended Aestheticism and Symbolism, captivated the art world and left an indelible mark on the Pre-Raphaelite Movement.

Early Life and Education

Born Mary Evelyn Pickering on August 30, 1855, in London, England, De Morgan was the daughter of Percival Pickering QC, the Recorder of Pontefract, and Anna Maria Wilhelmina Spencer Stanhope. Her mother, a descendant of Coke of Norfolk, Earl of Leicester, played a pivotal role in shaping De Morgan's education. She was educated at home, receiving the same instruction as her brother, which included studies in Greek, Latin, French, German, Italian, classical literature, and mythology.

Career Highlights and Major Works

De Morgan's artistic career spanned over three decades, during which she created numerous masterpieces that showcased her unique style. Some of her notable works include:

Philosophical Contributions and Beliefs

De Morgan's art was not only aesthetically pleasing but also conveyed her deep-seated philosophical beliefs. Her works often explored themes of spirituality, feminism, and pacifism. She was a strong supporter of the suffrage movement and signed the Declaration in Favour of Women's Suffrage in 1889. Her pacifist views led her to create a series of war paintings, expressing her horror at the atrocities of war.

Personal Life and Marriage

In August 1883, De Morgan met William De Morgan, a ceramicist and son of the mathematician Augustus De Morgan. The couple married on March 5, 1887, and spent their lives together in London, with annual trips to Florence from 1895 to 1914. William De Morgan was a significant influence on Evelyn's work, and she often incorporated ceramic-like elements into her paintings.

Legacy and Impact

Evelyn De Morgan's artistic legacy extends beyond her captivating paintings. Her unique style and philosophical beliefs have inspired generations of artists, writers, and thinkers. Her contributions to the Pre-Raphaelite Movement and her commitment to pacifism and feminism have cemented her place in art history. Today, her works continue to captivate audiences, offering a glimpse into the creative and imaginative world of this visionary painter.

Trivia and Fun Facts

Evelyn De Morgan's life and art are a testament to her boundless creativity and unwavering commitment to her artistic vision. Her work continues to inspire and captivate audiences, ensuring her legacy as one of the most innovative and visionary painters of her time.

Timeline
1855
Birth in London
Evelyn De Morgan was born in London to a wealthy family.
1870
Studies Art at Slade School
Evelyn De Morgan studied art at the Slade School of Fine Art, where she was one of the first women to be admitted.
1880
Becomes Pre-Raphaelite Painter
Evelyn De Morgan became a Pre-Raphaelite painter, known for her dreamlike and symbolic works.
1907
Marries William De Morgan
Evelyn De Morgan married William De Morgan, a fellow artist and potter.
1919
Death in London
Evelyn De Morgan died in London, leaving behind a legacy of beautiful and imaginative paintings.
Evelyn De Morgan

Evelyn De Morgan Quiz

Evelyn De Morgan's paintings often explored themes of

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FAQ
What was the early life of Evelyn De Morgan?
Evelyn De Morgan was born on August 30, 1855, in London, England, to a family of artists and was educated at the Slade School of Fine Art.
What was Evelyn De Morgans artistic style?
Evelyn De Morgans artistic style was characterized by its use of vivid colors, intricate details, and mythological and allegorical themes, often featuring female figures and exploring themes of love, beauty, and spirituality.
What were the influences on Evelyn De Morgans work?
Evelyn De Morgans work was influenced by a range of artistic movements, including Pre-Raphaelitism, Symbolism, and Art Nouveau, as well as the writings of ancient Greek and Roman authors.
What was Evelyn De Morgans experience as a female artist?
Evelyn De Morgan faced significant challenges as a female artist in a male-dominated art world, butnochetheless gained recognition for her work and was elected to the Royal Institute of Painters in Water Colours in 1904.
What is the legacy of Evelyn De Morgan?
Evelyn De Morgans legacy is marked by her innovative artistic style, her exploration of mythological and allegorical themes, and her trailblazing role as a female artist in a male-dominated art world.

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