Herbert James Draper (1863-1920)

Greek Mythology and Herbert James Draper

Born: November 1863 (or 1864); London
Died: 22 September 1920; London
Nationality: English
Art Movement: Classicism
Painting School: Royal Academy

Herbert James Draper (November 1863 (or 1864), London – 22 September 1920, London) was a popular English Classicist artist of the late Victorian period and although later in life he was known for his portraits, when he was at his most popular, Draper was renowned for Greek mythological paintings. 

Though Draper travelled around Europe, his home was London, and his studio was located in Kensington, and for almost his entire working career, Draper would exhibit annually at the Royal Academy. 

The paintings undertaken by Draper, of scenes of Greek mythology, are particularly known for their beautiful female figures, with some of the most famous examples being Calypso’s Isle (1897) and The Lament for Icarus (1898).