Solomon Joseph Solomon, RA, (September 16, 1860, London - July 27, 1927, Birchington) was a British Pre-Raphaelite painter, of no relation to Simeon Solomon or his siblings Abraham and Rebecca.[1] Solomon's family was Jewish, and his sister, Lily Delissa Joseph (nee Solomon), was also a painter.[2]
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Biography
Solomon studied at various art schools, sequentially, Heatherley's Art School, the Royal Academy Schools, the Munich Academy, and Ecole des Beaux-Arts (under Alexandre Cabanel). Solomon also studied separately under Rev. S. Singer.[2][4] He exhibited his first works as early as 1881 at the Royal Academy, the New Gallery, and the Society of British Artists.[2] In 1886, he became one of the founding members of the New English Art Club. In 1896, he became an associate of the Royal Academy, with full membership following in 1906, one of the few Jewish painters to do so.[2][5] He joined, and became president of, the Royal Society of British Artists in 1919.[2]
Art
Solomon's painting was grounded in his influence from his teacher Alexandre Cabanel, but was also influenced by Frederic Leighton and Lawrence Alma-Tadema. Solomon painted mainly portraits to earn a living, but also painted dramatic, theatrical scenes from mythology and the bible on large canvasses. These scenes include some of his more popular paintings. One of Solomon's most popular works was Samson (1887), depicting a scene from the biblical story of Samson and Delilah.[3] This painting was praised for its use of multiple male nudes in active poses.[4] Samson is one of few Solomon paintings on regular display, at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool.[3] Some other Solomon paintings that have received significant attention include Ajax and Cassandra and The Birth of Love (1896).[3]
Solomon became well-known as an innovative portrait artist by the time he painted Mrs. Patrick Campbell as 'Paula tanqueray' (1894) [2] and went on to paint a number of portraits of well-known people, including Sir Aston Webb, and later in life, the royals King George V, Queen Mary, and Prince Edward (later King Edward VIII).[6] Solomon was also in demand as an illustrator for books, particularly adventure books.[5] In 1914, Solomon authored a book, "The Practice of Oil Painting and Drawing". During World War I, Solomon was a pioneer of camouflage techniques and painted camouflage on tanks and observation posts.[4][5] He published a treatise on the subject in 1920.[4]
References
- ^ "Phyrne - Solomon Joseph Solomon" (5/17/2007).
- ^ a b c d e f "Biography for: Solomon Joseph Solomon" (5/17/2007).
- ^ a b c d "Solomon Joseph Solomon RA PRBA (1860-1927)" (5/17/2007).
- ^ a b c d Helen Valentine. "Art in the Age of Queen Victoria: Treasures from the Royal Academy of Arts Permanent Collection", 158.
- ^ a b c "Solomon Joseph Solomon (1860-1927)" (5/17/2007).
- ^ "National Portrait Gallery: Solomon Joseph Solomon (1860-1927)" (5/17/2007).
