An unsung genius?
Gustave Doré : 1832-1883
Born in Strasbourg near the Rhine, Gustave was the second of three sons in a wealthy, musically talented family, and began drawing caricatures of others at the age of five. His family visited Paris when he was fifteen and whilst there his outstanding talent was discovered by a publisher. Doré was persuaded to remain in Paris (his forever home) and went on to become the highest paid illustrator in France at the age of sixteen, reaching unprecedented levels of worldwide fame.
Gustave Doré’s work was incredibly varied, starting with carving lithograph’s , sketches , paintings, illustration’s and more however he became renowned for his printmaking, employing at the height of his career some 40 block-cutters.
The composition of his work is extremely varied from religious and mythical to fantasy and fairy tales linked to Tennyson and Dante. His work has also been reproduced in present times in the form of animation picture’s such as Shrek, Star Wars and Harry Potter characters.
Sandringham House usually features a Water Nymph painting by Doré, the nymph transforming into a tree is said to be under ‘a paternal spell of protection’. During 2024 the painting is on display at another property as part of an Edwardian exhibition.
In Greek mythology there are three types of nymph, he clearly enjoyed painting all three as there are very many beautiful illustrations featuring them. The three groups of water nymphs in ancient Greek Mythology are the Naiads, the Nereids, and the Oceanids, the latter being aligned to water as in the painting at Sandringham.
With a stunning study of light and reflection, it is thought the Sandringham Nymph was commissioned as a gift for King Edward VII and Queen Alexandra’s new home. At that time Gustave Doré would have been at his pinnacle with his work in demand.
The painting at Sandringham may feel misplaced amid family portraits and polished Bronzes, however in Victorian and early Edwardian England this work would have been highly sought after and highlights a sociable and fashionable (then) Prince of Wales (later King Edward VII) of the time, receiving a gift from a fellow artist or friend to Gustave Doré.
Gustave Doré sadly passed away young from a heart attack at the age of fifty one, leaving an unsurpassable wealth of creativity.
The Sandringham Oceanid Nymph is among many of his works but remains unique and a great highlight for visitors to enjoy during a visit. The painting will be back on display in 2025.