Herbert James Draper

Herbert James Draper (* 1863 in London, † 1920) was an English painter of the Victorian era.

Life

After training at the Royal Academy of Arts, he undertook in the years 1888-1892 several study trips to Paris and Rome. In the 1890s, he worked part-time as a book illustrator. In 1891 he married his wife Ida, with whom he had a daughter.

1894 began Drapers main creative period in which he mainly painted themes from Greek mythology large size. His 1898 work, The Lament for Icarus created in 1900 was awarded a prize at the Paris World's Fair Gold Medal.

Though Draper was neither a member nor an associate of the Royal Academy, he was involved from 1887 until shortly before his death at the local exhibitions each year. During his lifetime Draper enjoyed a good reputation; not least as demanding a portrait painter. In his last years, however, his fame faded.