Herbert James Draper and Early Life
Herbert James Draper was born on November 30, 1863, in London, England. He was a celebrated painter of classical, religious and mythological scenes, as well as a painter of modern subjects. Draper grew up in a home surrounded by art and creativity, with both his parents being painters. As a young man, he studied at the Royal Academy, becoming the good friend of fellow student John William Waterhouse. The two went on to be close friends, as well as great artists in the Pre-Raphelite community.
Overview of Herbert James Draper’s Accomplishments
Herbert James Draper became a respected artist in his community and was elected to the Royal Academy in 1911. He was also a Fellow and Secretary of the Royal Society of Portrait Painters (RSD). In the years that followed, he was also a Professor at the Royal Academy and in 1914 became a trustee of the Tate Gallery. Draper received many awards throughout his career, including a bronze medal at the 1884 Dalmaine Modelling and Sculpture Exhibition, a gold medal at the International Exposition in Munich in 1908 and a gold medal from the Royal Society of Portrait Painters in 1913.
The Influence of Draper’s Pre-Raphaelite Style
As a celebrated painter of classical, religious and mythological scenes, Draper’s work was heavily influenced by the Pre-Raphelite style. This style of painting focused on detailed, realistic depictions of people and scenes, often borrowing elements from classical heritage. Draper would often use strong, vivid colors to give his paintings an almost surreal appearance. His use of light and shade was also prevalent in his works, and he was often seen as a symbol of the rising generation of Pre-Raphaelite painters.
Famous Paintings by Herbert James Draper
The Lament for Icarus
One of Draper’s most famous works is the painting The Lament for Icarus. Painted in 1898 and displayed in the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool, it depicts the story of the young Icarus who attempted to fly using wings made of feathers and wax. In the painting, a woman is seen grieving over his death as his body sinks in the ocean. The painting has become a symbol of the power and potential of art, as well as its fragility.
Draped Reclining Girl
Another one of Draper’s most famous paintings is Draped Reclining Girl, which depicts a young girl draped in a white cloth and relaxing on a sofa. The painting is known for its vivid colors and detailed treatment of the girl’s body, which brings to life the innocence and delicacy of the human form. The painting is considered an important work of art and is displayed in the Reading Public Museum in Pennsylvania.
The Questions of Hyacinth
The Questions of Hyacinth is a painting from 1908 and is one of Draper’s most popular works. It depicts Hyacinthus, a lover of the god Apollo, questioning the Oracle at Delphi. Draper portrays the scene as a moment of intense emotion as Hyacinthus anxiously awaits the Oracle’s reply. The painting has become a symbol of the apprehension of the future and the uncertainty of life.
The Mermaid
The Mermaid is a painting from 1895 and is widely considered to be one of Draper’s masterpieces. He depicts a bare-shouldered mermaid seated on a rock, surrounded by an ethereal landscape of rolling waves and hills. The painting captures the mystery of the sea, as well as the beauty of the female form. The painting is often seen as an exploration of the relationship between the natural world and the human body.
Herbert James Draper was a celebrated painter of classical, religious, and mythological scenes, as well as a painter of modern subjects. His works were heavily influenced by the Pre-Raphaelite style and were known for their vivid colors and detailed treatment. Draper has left behind a number of celebrated works, such as The Lament for Icarus, Draped Reclining Girl, The Questions of Hyacinth and The Mermaid. While his work has been praised for its beauty and detail, it has also been seen as a symbol of the fragility of art and of life.
