Louise Jopling Paintings

Louise Jopling (née Goode, later Rowe), born in 1843 in Manchester, England, was a prominent British painter and educator in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Her artistic journey began under the tutelage of eminent artists such as Ford Madox Brown and later, Sir John Everett Millais, positioning her within the vibrant Pre-Raphaelite circle and broader Victorian art scene. Jopling's portfolio spans a variety of subjects, including portraits, genre scenes, and landscapes, showcasing her versatility and skill as an artist.

Jopling's career was marked by significant achievements and contributions to the British art world. In 1879, she became the first woman to be awarded a medal by the Royal Manchester Institution. Her work was regularly exhibited at prestigious venues such as the Royal Academy of Arts, where she gained considerable recognition and acclaim. Louise Jopling was not only a successful artist but also a passionate advocate for women's rights and education in the arts. In 1887, she opened the Louise Jopling School of Art in London, providing much-needed art education for women at a time when their access to formal art training was limited. This school was instrumental in advancing the careers of many female artists.

Throughout her life, Jopling was closely associated with leading figures of the Victorian art and literary world, including James McNeill Whistler and Oscar Wilde, further cementing her position within the cultural elite of the time. Her autobiography, 'Twenty Years of My Life: 1867–1887,' published in 1925, provides valuable insights into the artistic and social circles of Victorian England, as well as her own personal and professional experiences.

Louise Jopling's legacy extends beyond her artwork. She played a crucial role in the struggle for gender equality in the arts, breaking barriers for future generations of women artists. Her death in 1933 marked the end of an era, but her influence on British art and women's rights within the field continues to be celebrated.