William Clarke Wontner paintings

William Clarke Wontner

1857-1930

British Academic Classicists Painter

Stylistically influenced by the following painters - Jean Leon Geromer, Paul Delaroche, and Thomas Couture

Cause of Death - Old Age

Description of William Clarke Wontner Academic Classicism Style

Academicism is the painting style established by European art academies and universities. In general It is also called "academic art". In this context as new styles are embraced by academics, the new styles come to be considered academic, thus what was at one time a rebellion against academic art becomes academic art. The academic art world also worshiped Raphael, for the splendor of his work. This style is often termed "art pompier", "academism", "academicism", "classical revival", "beaux-arts classicism" and "eclecticism".

The followers of Academicism appreciated and imitated Greek and Roman literature, art, and architecture. This style stems from Neoclassicism, but with a distinctly original elegance. Academicism differs from Neoclassicism in subject matter as well.

Followers of this movement were influenced by the high standards of the French Académie des Beaux-Arts, which practiced under the movements of Neoclassicism and Romanticism. Academicism attempted to merge both techniques to create the perfect style. It is characterized by adhering to a strict manner of painting, following narrow compositional rules and delicacy of color. This opulent style is rich in textures and qualities. According to art historian, Walter Pater "To produce such effects at all requires all the resources of painting, with its power of indirect expression, of subordinate but significant detail, its atmosphere, its foregrounds and backgrounds."

About the Artist

Wontner preferred lighthearted subjects and motifs derived from classical love stories and mythological themes. His style favored playful interpretations of Greek, Roman and Renaissance narratives. He had an extraordinary way of capturing nature's tempestuous, "biological" qualities and yet, at the same time, create in the viewer an almost spiritual reaction of harmony and serenity. His brushstrokes were graceful, dramatic and spontaneous, depicting a world of magnificent splendor.

Adolphe-William Bouguereau1825-1905

Charles Emile August Carolus-Duran, 1837-1917

Leon Francois Comerre, 1850-1916

Pierre-Auguste Cot 1837-1883

Thomas Couture, 1815-1879

Paul Delaroche 1797-1856

Eugene Fromentin, 1820-1876

Jean Leon Gerome, 1824-1904

Jean-Paul Laurens1838-1921

Adolphe Alexandre Lesrel, 1839-1929

Luc Olivier Merson, 1846-1920

Hans Makart, 1840 - 1884

Giulio Rosati, 1858-1917

Franz Xavier Winterhalter, 1805-1873

William Clarke Wontner, 1857-1930

Fritz Zuber-Buhler, 1822-1896

Require more information about William Clarke Wontner? Type your query in art into the google search box below and poke around every nook and cranny of the known universe for information this subject.

If you feel you have worthwhile information you would like to contribute we would love to hear from you. We collect essential biographical information and artist quotes from folks all over the globe and appreciate your participation. When submitting please, if possible, site the source and provide English translation. Email to millardmulch@gmail.com