George Frederic Watts

Love and Life

c.1884–5

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Not on display
Artist
George Frederic Watts 1817–1904
Medium
Oil paint on canvas
Dimensions
Support: 2222 x 1219 mm
Collection
Tate
Acquisition
Presented by the artist 1897
Reference
N01641

Display caption

Of all the works he donated to the Tate Gallery, Watts said that ‘probably Love and Life best portrays my message to the age. Life, represented by the female figure, never could have reached such heights unless protected and guided by Love’.

In the painting Love is shown guiding a naked, frail young woman up the rocky path of existence. As they ascend, violets blossom on jagged stones and clouds disperse to reveal a clear blue sky. Love is here understood as altruism and compassion, rather than physical passion.

Gallery label, September 2004

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Symbolism

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George Frederic Watts, ‘The All-Pervading’ 1887–90

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George Frederic Watts, ‘Mammon’ 1884–5

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George Frederic Watts, ‘The Dweller in the Innermost’ c.1885–6

George Frederic Watts The Dweller in the Innermost

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George Frederic Watts, ‘Psyche’ 1880

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George Frederic Watts, ‘Time, Death and Judgement’ 1900

George Frederic Watts Time, Death and Judgement

1900
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George Frederic Watts and assistants, ‘Chaos’ c.1875–82

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c.1875–82
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George Frederic Watts, ‘Faith’ c.1890–6

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c.1890–6
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Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones, Bt, ‘Love and the Pilgrim’ 1896–7

Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones, Bt Love and the Pilgrim

1896–7
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Sir Edward Coley Burne-Jones, Bt The Temple of Love

date not known
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Arthur Hacker, ‘The Annunciation’ 1892

Arthur Hacker The Annunciation

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George Frederic Watts, ‘The Messenger’ c.1884–5

George Frederic Watts The Messenger

c.1884–5
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