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Edward Poynter

British artist · 1836–1919

1836–1919 · British

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Biography

Who was Edward Poynter?

Born in Paris, France
1836
Died in London, United Kingdom
1919
Age at death
83
Works on this page
12
Museums to visit
9
Sir Edward John Poynter, 1st Baronet (20 March 1836 – 26 July 1919) was an English painter, designer, and draughtsman, who served as President of the Royal Academy.From Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0

The life and work of Edward Poynter

Edward Poynter was born the son of the architect Ambrose Poynter. He trained in Italy where he was heavily influenced by the work of Michelangelo. He specialised in historical scenes executed with great precision. Along with contemporaries such as Frederic Leighton and Lawrence Alma-Tadema he was part of the Pre-Raphaelite movement. One of his most popular works was ‘Libra and Her Sparrow’.

Despite his great popularity he concentrated on his administrative work in the later part of his career being appointed the first Slade Professor of Fine Art at University College, London in 1871 where he remained for four years. He also worked as Director of the National Gallery (1894-1904) and President of the Royal Academy (1896-1918).

Alphonse Legros · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
Born
20 March 1836, Paris, France
Died
26 July 1919, London, United Kingdom
Nationality
British
Occupation
painter, university teacher, art historian, artist
Gallery

Famous works by Edward Poynter

12 works with free-to-use images. Select a painting to view it large.

Life map

Where Edward Poynter lived and worked

Tap a stop on the timeline to fly there. Switch on museums to see where the works hang today.

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  1. 1836

    Paris, France

    Born here in 1836.

  2. 1919

    London, United Kingdom

    Died here in 1919.

Did you know?

5 facts about Edward Poynter

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Quiz

How well do you know Edward Poynter?

10 questions drawn from this page. Questions and answers are shuffled every time.

Watch

Edward Poynter documentaries and tutorials

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Edward John Poynter ANALYZED PAINTING - Composition and Design Techniques (2020)

IPOX studios · 4:32

Plan a visit

Where to see Edward Poynter's work

Collections that hold the works on this page. Displays change, so check with the museum before you travel.

Manchester

Manchester Art Gallery

  • The Ides of March
  • The Vision of Endymion
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Mexico

Pérez Simón Collection

  • Andromeda
Sydney

Art Gallery of New South Wales

  • The Visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon
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United States

Hermitage Museum and Gardens

  • The Cave of the Storm Nymphs
Liverpool

Walker Art Gallery

  • Faithful Unto Death
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London

Tate

  • A Visit to Aesculapius
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Exeter

Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery

  • Diadumenè
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London

Royal Academy of Arts

  • The Fortune Teller
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Adelaide

Art Gallery of South Australia

  • Helena and Hermia
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FAQ

Edward Poynter: common questions

When was Edward Poynter born and when did he die?

Edward Poynter was born on 20 March 1836 in Paris, France and died on 26 July 1919 in London, United Kingdom, aged 83.

What nationality was Edward Poynter?

Edward Poynter was British.

What are Edward Poynter's most famous works?

Well-known works by Edward Poynter include Andromeda, The Visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon, The Cave of the Storm Nymphs, Faithful Unto Death and A Visit to Aesculapius.

Where can I see Edward Poynter's art?

Museums holding the works on this page include Manchester Art Gallery (Manchester); Pérez Simón Collection (Mexico); Art Gallery of New South Wales (Sydney); Hermitage Museum and Gardens (United States); Walker Art Gallery (Liverpool). Check with each museum that a work is on display before you visit.