Isabel Oakley Naftel Paintings

Isabel Oakley Naftel was an English painter and watercolorist born in 1832. She studied art under George Richmond and Sir John Gilbert, both of whom were influential figures in the Victorian art world. Naftel was known particularly for her flower paintings and landscapes. She often exhibited her work at the Royal Academy and the Society of British Artists, which was a testament to her skill and the recognition she received during her lifetime.

Throughout her career, Naftel was associated with the Pre-Raphaelite movement, which sought to return to the detail, intense colors, and complex compositions of Quattrocento Italian art. Although she was not a core member of the Brotherhood, her work exhibited some of the characteristics of the movement, such as a fine attention to detail and a love of nature.

In addition to her artistic endeavors, Isabel Oakley Naftel was also an art educator. She taught drawing and painting, sharing her knowledge and skills with a new generation of artists. Her contribution to art education, particularly for women, was significant during a time when opportunities for female artists were limited.

Naftel continued to paint throughout her life, maintaining her passion for the arts until her death in 1911. Her legacy is preserved in her delicate watercolors and the influence she had on her students. Despite not being as widely recognized today as some of her contemporaries, Naftel's work remains an important part of the history of British watercolor painting.