George W. Joy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
George William Joy
|
|
|---|---|
,_by_himself.jpg)
Self-portrait, 1900
|
|
| Born | 7 July 1844 |
| Died | 28 October 1925 Purbrook, Hampshire, England
|
| Nationality | Irish |
| Education | Harrow School; South Kensington School of Art, London |
| Known for | Painter of genre, historical scenes and Orientalist themes |
| Movement | Orientalist |
George William Joy (born 7 July 1844 in Dublin, Ireland; died 28 October 1925 in Purbrook, Hampshire, England) was a talented Irish painter. He spent much of his career working in London.
Life and career
George William Joy came from an old family called the Huguenots, who had settled in County Antrim, Ireland, in 1612. His father was William Bruce Joy, a doctor, and his brother, Albert Bruce-Joy, became a famous sculptor.
At first, George was expected to join the military. He was also a very good violin player. However, a foot injury when he was young meant his father decided he couldn't serve in the army. So, George chose a different path and became an artist. He went to Harrow School and then studied art in London. He attended the South Kensington School of Art and later the Royal Academy. There, he learned from famous artists like John Everett Millais, Frederic Leighton, and George Frederic Watts. One of his classmates was Hubert von Herkomer.
In 1868, Joy traveled to Paris, France, to continue his art studies. For two years, he learned from teachers like Charles-François Jalabert and Léon Bonnat. He also met other important artists of the time, such as Gérôme and Cabanel.
After his time in Paris, Joy returned to London. He became known for painting historical events and scenes from everyday life. His artworks were often shown at important exhibitions, including the Royal Academy in London and the Royal Hibernian Academy in Ireland. In 1895, he joined the Royal Institute of Oil Painters.
Even though he couldn't join the regular army, Joy still wanted to be involved. He joined the Artists Rifles, a volunteer military unit. He was a skilled marksman and even represented Ireland in shooting competitions. Later in life, he spent many winters in Swanage and eventually settled in Purbrook. Sadly, his two sons passed away in 1915 during World War I.
His Famous Artworks
George Joy painted many different kinds of pictures. He created historical scenes, religious artworks, and paintings that told a story using symbols (called allegories). He also painted portraits of people.
Joy was interested in classical art and often explored themes from ancient stories. He created paintings like Laodamia (1878), The Danaids (1887), and Truth (1892-93). These works showed his connection to the French classical art style of artists like Ingres.
Joy held strong beliefs about the unity of the British Isles. He believed Ireland should remain part of the United Kingdom. He expressed these feelings in several patriotic paintings. Examples include Rose, Shamrock and Thistle (1889) and The First Union Jack (1892). He also painted historical scenes about rebellions, such as Flora MacDonald's Farewell to Prince Charlie (1891).
One of Joy's most famous paintings shows a moment of heroism. It is called The Death of General Gordon, Khartoum, 26 January 1885 (1893). This painting shows General Gordon bravely facing his enemies during the Siege of Khartoum. He stands tall in the Governor-General's Palace, just before he was tragically killed by a spear.
Another well-known painting by Joy is very different. It shows an everyday scene from his time: The Bayswater Omnibus (1895). This artwork captures people riding a bus in London.
One of his most powerful paintings is Joan of Arc (1895). It shows Joan of Arc sleeping peacefully, watched over by an angel.
-
A dinner of herbs
-
The Bayswater Omnibus
-
An English Drummer Boy (1902)
.jpg)
