Frederic William Burton Paintings

Frederic William Burton was an Irish painter born on April 8, 1816, in County Wicklow. He was associated with the Pre-Raphaelite movement and was acclaimed for his finely detailed watercolor paintings. Burton displayed artistic talent at an early age, and his initial works were exhibited at the Royal Hibernian Academy when he was just 17 years old.

In 1837, Burton moved to Germany and later to Rome, where he was influenced by the works of the Old Masters and by the Nazarenes, a group of German painters who aimed to revive honesty and spirituality in Christian art. After returning to Ireland, he became an early member of the Royal Hibernian Academy and served as its president for many years.

One of Burton's most famous works is 'The Meeting on the Turret Stairs,' which was voted as Ireland's favorite painting in 2012. This painting is noted for its romantic and medieval subject matter, exemplifying the Pre-Raphaelite interest in chivalry and historical themes.

Burton's career took a significant turn when he was appointed as the Director of the National Gallery in London in 1874, a position he held until his retirement in 1894. During his tenure, he was responsible for acquiring many important works for the gallery, including Leonardo da Vinci's 'The Virgin of the Rocks.' His contribution to the arts was not limited to his own creations but also encompassed his role as a curator and advocate for public access to art.

Burton's health began to decline in the late 1890s, and he passed away on March 16, 1900, in London. Although not as widely known today as some of his contemporaries, Burton's legacy as a painter and a custodian of art remains significant, and his works are still admired for their technical skill and emotional depth.