early life and education george frederic watts, a prominent figure in the symbolist movement, was born on february 23, 1817, in marylebone, london. his early life was marked by delicate health and the loss of his mother at a young age. watts' father, a piano-maker, provided him with a conservative christian education and introduced him to the classics, including the iliad. this classical influence would later become a cornerstone of his artistic style. career watts began his artistic journey at the age of 10, learning sculpture under william behnes. he later enrolled as a student at the royal…