Isobel Lilian Gloag: Artist-Found

Lost in History

Well! I'd never heard of English Artist Isobel Lilian Gloag (1865-1917) whose birth-date is today. But then, 5 pages of Google showed anyone referring to her lifted their info straight from Wiki, all saying she was 'known for her romantic paintings and stained glass-work'; although, I'm pretty sure not really that known. I was resigned to being intrigued, but perplexed - until I came across a Facebook page dedicated to Women Artists: the Open Sesame of Isobel's work and references that influenced her; check out: https://www.facebook.com/female.artists.in.history for a fantastic collection of tributes honouring women artists (possible to search for an artist of choice), & - if the following link works, to Isobel's work: https://www.facebook.com/hashtag/onthisday

- a treasure trove, thanks to its creator/curator Christa Zaat.

It's clear Gloag was influenced by the Pre-Raphaelites, and several of her pieces are prompted by poetry e.g. Isabella and the Pot of Basil (R), by John Keats.

She managed to keep up her art studies, whether at established Schools, or by private tuition, when the ill-health that dogged her life dictated. She steadily worked her way to success, showing several pieces at the Royal Academy of Arts, before her death, aged 51.

Below: Four Corners to My Bed:

Women's Work

One blog-writer despaired at the lack of information about her. I would add to that, to make it more accurate, the lack of recognition of women artists in history.

Happy, for all that, to celebrate her life-work here today. Enjoy!

(L) Pair of Angels, diptych, c.1900