Gift Card – ‘Hope’ by George Frederic Watts, 1885

Hope, dated 1885, Painting by George Frederic Watts, British Artist, (1817-1904), Watts Gallery, Compton, near Guildford in Surrey, UK (courtesy commons wikimedia).

“Hope” is widely considered as one of George Frederic Watts’ greatest masterpieces, showcasing the artist’s remarkable skill and unique vision. The painting measures 122 x 122 cm and is a spectacular display of the Victorian era’s fascination with allegorical subjects and mythology. The figure of Hope is the central focus of the artwork, seated on a globe and blindfolded, representing the uncertain nature of the future. The lyre, an instrument traditionally associated with the art of poetry, rests by her side, symbolizing the enduring beauty and creativity of the human spirit. Watts’ attention to detail is noteworthy, as seen in the rippling fabric of Hope’s dress, intricate work on the lyre, and the rough surface of the globe. The colors used in the painting are subdued, with pale blues, grays, and yellows giving the impression of an ethereal and otherworldly quality. Displayed at the Watts Gallery in Compton, near Guildford in Surrey, UK, “Hope” continues to captivate visitors with its combination of technical mastery, symbolic imagery, and hopeful message. Today, the painting is recognized globally as a testament to the power of resilience and the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.

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