George Frederic Watts OM, RA (1817–1904) was one of the most successful British artists of the 19th century. He painted portraits, landscapes, and pictures exploring themes and ideas of the time, such as the Irish Famine or animal cruelty. He also painted ‘Symbolist’ pictures which often had complex meanings.

George began his artistic training in the studio of the sculptor William Behnes (1794-1865). He became a student at the Royal Academy when he was 18, but soon stopped attending. In 1842 the Royal Fine Arts Commission announced a competition to decorate the new Palaces of Westminster. George was one of the winning artists and received £300 as a prize.

He used this money to travel to Europe, and settled in Italy until 1847. George was greatly inspired by his time in Italy and the art he saw there during his stay. This, coupled with his reputation as a talented painter and sculptor, earned him the title of ‘England's Michelangelo’.