George Frederic Watts

George Frederic Watts (1817–1904) was a prominent British painter and sculptor, celebrated in his lifetime for his profound allegorical works. Born in London to a poor piano-maker, Watts was named after George Frederic Handel, sharing his birthday. Early ill health and the loss of his mother led to home-schooling, which instilled in him a love for the classics like the *Iliad* and a lifelong skepticism of conventional religion. He showed artistic talent from a young age, stu…