A Singular Man: A Documented Life of the Artist Frederick Sandys: 1829-1904

Frederick Sandys was a Norwich-born artist who struggled to support two growing families of illegitimate children. He was known for his portraits of beautiful women and elderly women, and pioneered a new type of large-scale portrait drawing in chalks.

Format: Hardback
Length: 352 pages
Publication date: 07 July 2023
Publisher: Unicorn Publishing Group

Frederick Sandys, a man of unconventional life, has been the subject of extensive research by Betty Elzea, shedding light on his intricate and often scandalous relationships. Hailing from Norwich, where he was born and educated with an artisan background, Sandys possessed a bohemian nature, although he presented himself as genteel and respectable to the world. However, his disorganised, un-businesslike nature and preference for living alone as a bachelor in lodgings posed challenges in supporting two growing families of illegitimate children.

From a young age, Sandys displayed remarkable skills as a draughtsman and painter, and he relocated to London, where he encountered Dante Gabriel Rossetti and the Pre-Raphaelites, as well as their associates. While maintaining a foothold in Norwich, where he nurtured friendships and enjoyed the support of the Norfolk gentry and several notable Norwich industrialists, he continued to pursue his artistic endeavors.

The influence of Norfolk's landscape and nature studies on Sandys's work was profound, leading to commissioned portraiture that became his primary source of income. He gained recognition for his captivating depictions of beautiful women in legendary disguises, as well as his meticulous portraits of elderly women. Sandys also pioneered a new type of large-scale portrait drawing in chalks, adding to his artistic repertoire.

Through his unconventional life and artistic achievements, Frederick Sandys left a lasting legacy, challenging societal norms and leaving a profound impact on the art world. His legacy continues to inspire and intrigue artists and enthusiasts alike, reminding us of the complexities and contradictions that shape the lives of individuals who dare to defy convention.

Weight: 1100g
Dimension: 173 x 249 x 35 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781838395391