Frank Dicksee (born November 27, 1853 – died October 7, 1928) is not the most famous English artist, so you might not hear this name. But surely you have seen his paintings and illustrations: they are ubiquitous on the net, on the covers of books and music CDs. Heroes of legends, medieval ballads and Shakespearean tragedies come to life on the canvases of this master.

Dixie’s work is ideologically close to the Pre-Raphaelites. Formally, he did not belong to this brotherhood, but he also drew inspiration from mythological and literary subjects, depicting timeless characters and feelings. The artist’s paintings attract the eye with an amazing play of colors. He has mastered the art of rendering various textures to perfection, so that luxurious fabrics, shimmering jewelry and polished armor look very convincing. In addition to historical and mythological scenes, the artist created portraits of secular ladies, which helped him quickly achieve success. Some of his works gravitate towards the neoclassical style.

Biography of Frank Dicksee

Frank Dicksee had all the conditions to become a famous painter, because his father was one too. Thomas Dicksee is a portrait painter who often portrayed Shakespearean heroines, so his son followed in his footsteps. Dixie Sr. himself taught drawing to three children, and in 1870 he gave Frank to the Royal Academy of Arts.

The young artist showed talent during his studies, first receiving a silver, and three years later a gold medal. In the 70s and 80s he became a sought-after illustrator. The further path to glory was as follows:

• 1891 – admission to the Royal Academy;
• 1924 – Elected President of the Royal Academy;
• 1925 – knighted for his contribution to the culture of the country;
• 1927 – Presentation of the Royal Victorian Order by George V.

The artist died in London in 1928. As befits the president of the Royal Academy of Arts, the master defended the Victorian traditions in painting to the end and rejected avant-garde art.