England is famous for their historical figures and artwork. The country, just like other parts of Europe, has produced some of the world’s best artists and their famous works are still popular among the art connoisseurs. Here we explore some of the most famous British artists and their artworks that shaped the artistic movement and culture of the country.
1. J.M.W Turner
Joseph Mallord William Turner, or more commonly referred to as JMW Turner, is considered one of the most influential British artists of the romantic period. He was known for his visionary paintings in oil, watercolour and printmaking, in addition to his drawing skills.
His best-known artwork includes The Fighting Temeraire, The Slave Ship, The Burning of the Houses of Lords and Commons, Rain Steam and Speed and Snow Storm: Steam-Boat off a Harbour’s Mouth.
These artworks showcase his wild imagination, skillful technique and rich knowledge of color that has helped earned him critical acclaim. Even today he is one of the most celebrated artists in Britain and his works are exhibited in the Tate Gallery, London.
2. John William Waterhouse
John William Waterhouse was a renowned Victorian-period artist of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. His practice mostly included historical and classical mythology paintings in a painting style that was inspired from Renaissance art.
His most famous artworks include The Lady of Shalott, Echo and Narcissus, Hylas and the Nymphs and The Soul of the Rose.
His paintings gained international acclaim but it was here in England that he was widely recognised for his beautiful-facial features and artwork that helped define the British painting tradition.
3. William Hogarth
William Hogarth is widely known as the “father of British painting” due to his influence in this field. His most iconic works are satirical paintings that depicted the state of morals of 18th century Europe.
His most popular artworks are Marriage a la Mode, The Four Times of Day and The Enraged Musician.
These art projects showcase his clever use of caricature, satire and rich knowledge of English culture. His use of visual metaphors has often been compared to mythical paintings in the tradition of Greek mythology.
4. Thomas Gainsborough
Thomas Gainsborough was one of the most renowned portrait painters in the late 1700s, best known for his progressive use of colour, brushwork and style. His works often featured the countryside and its people, depicting life during that time.
His best-known artworks include Mrs. Mary Robinson, Robert Andrews and Mary, Duchess of Buccleuch, Selina, Countess of Huntingdon, The Chaperon, and Mr. & Mrs. Andrews.
Gainsborough has been widely praised for his accurate and beautiful approach to portraiture and its realism. His works continue to be celebrated in the modern day.
5. Joshua Reynolds
Joshua Reynolds was a master of portrait painting who developed his own distinct style, characterised by his way of modernizing classical composition and light.
His works often feature the English nobility and aristocracy, demonstrated in his art series Emma Lady Hamilton as a Bacchante. Besides his popular portraits, Joshua was also known for his religious artwork.
Some of his most renowned pieces are The Age of Innocence, The Infant Hercules Strangling the Serpents, The Comtesse d’Egmont and Jacopo Strada.
These artworks demonstrate his versatile style and singular use of light, and are still celebrated today by many of the world’s leading art critics.
6. David Hockney
David Hockney was one of the most celebrated British contemporary painters for works of Photorealism and Pop Art. His works often revolve around his background in bright and vibrant California and his home in Bradford, England.
Famous for his oil paintings, drawings and photography Hockney has received international attention for his celebrations of the mundane and everyday life. His made his most notable pieces of artwork, like A Bigger Splash, The Splash and Mr and Mrs Clark and Percy, during his time in Los Angeles.
Today, his works are highly praised for his skill in colour and his vivid depiction of suburban life in England.
7. Lucian Freud
Lucian Freud was an artist known and respected for his stunning portraits depicting human life and emotions in a very honest way. His artwork is often considered part of the School of London but he is best known for his physical and psychological realist style.
The works he is most renowned for include Benefits Supervisor Sleeping, Man with a Feather, Naked Self Portrait, Reflection with Two Children and Girl with a White Dog.
These artworks present a depth of understanding and contemplation and his works continue to be celebrated as modern-day classics due to their accurate description of the human experience and his masterful approach to painting.
8. Francis Bacon
Francis Bacon, or more commonly known as the creator of Expressionist portraiture, had a unique approach to the human form and its depiction in painting. His works are characterised by turbulent brush strokes, cold colour palettes and abstract forms.
His works often depict themes of pain, emotion and unfamiliar landscapes – all served as a way to impress a sense of mortality and morality in his audience. His most famous pieces of artwork are Study from Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion, Head V, Figure with Meat and The Three Studies for Figures at the Base of a Crucifixion.
These creative and sometimes bizarre artworks have earned him much respect in the contemporary art age and he is still recognised as one of the greatest British artists to date.
British art has a long history and has featured some of the best artists in Europe. From JMW Turner’s realistic landscapes, to David Hockney’s splash paintings of everyday life and Francis Bacon’s macabre works; British art truly is a wealth of culture and inspiration.
These artists have proven to be some of the greatest of their time, displaying a wide range of styles and techniques that continue to serve as a source of inspiration for upcoming artists. Every one of these artists’ renowned works of art not only define the country’s history but also their personal stories and struggles with identity and self-expression.