The Life and Career of William Oliver
Born in Worcester, United Kingdom, William Oliver was a figurative and genre artist who spent much of his career based in London. He was a student at the Royal Academy Schools, where he was a probationer in 1848 and later won first prize for his drawing from the antique in 1851. His early professional life included serving as an assistant master at the Government School of Design in Birmingham. During his career, he was sometimes referred to by his full name, William Oliver Williams, and was occasionally mistaken for being related to another artist of the same name.
In the early 1850s, Oliver was commissioned by the Arundel Society to travel to Northern Italy. His task involved creating drawings and watercolours of classical masterpieces in churches and galleries, specifically focusing on Giotto's frescoes in the Arena Chapel in Padua. These works were used to produce engravings for the Society's publications. His skill as a draughtsman and water-colourist was noted by contemporaries, including Dante Gabriel Rossetti.
Artistic Style and Legacy
Oliver's paintings primarily focused on the depiction of young women, pretty girls, and attractive women, sometimes portrayed in Greek or Roman costume. His works were highly popular during his lifetime, leading to the creation of prints to meet public demand. His exhibitions spanned numerous prestigious venues, including:
His artistic output included oil paintings and watercolours, with some of his works held in significant collections, such as the Royal Collection Trust. His exhibition history at the Royal Academy lasted from 1867 until 1897.
