Walter Richard Sickert (1860-1942) was a British painter and printmaker who is often associated with the Camden Town Group and the British Impressionist movement. He was born in Munich, Germany, to a Danish-German father and an English-Irish mother. Sickert's family moved to England when he was a child, and he later became a naturalized British citizen.
Sickert initially trained as an actor and attended the Slade School of Fine Art in London, where he studied under artist James McNeill Whistler. While he was influenced by Whistler's emphasis on tonal harmony and the use of muted colors, Sickert developed his own distinctive style over the years.
Sickert's work explored various subjects, including urban scenes, portraits, and theatrical settings. He often depicted the underbelly of city life, focusing on the lower-class neighborhoods of London. His paintings often captured the atmospheric qualities of dimly lit rooms and street scenes, reflecting a sense of mystery and ambiguity.
One of Sickert's most controversial series of paintings is known as the "Camden Town Murder" series, inspired by the Jack the Ripper murders of the late 19th century. These works, such as "The Camden Town Murder" (1908), were based on newspaper reports and crime scenes, and they created a sensation at the time due to their subject matter.
Sickert also had a significant influence on the development of modern British printmaking. He experimented with various printmaking techniques, including etching and drypoint, and his prints often echoed the themes and subjects explored in his paintings.
Walter Richard Sickert's work had a lasting impact on British art. He is considered an important figure in the transition from Victorian realism to modernism in the early 20th century. His atmospheric paintings and prints continue to be admired for their technical skill and evocative portrayal of urban life.