Hand-painted painting reproductions - Artists - William James Webbe

William James Webbe (July 13, 1830 – 1904) was an English Victorian painter and illustrator, known for his rustic, religious, and book paintings. His landscape style in particular links him to the Pre-Raphaelites.

Webbe was born in Redruth, Cornwall, England, in 1830. He showed an early interest in art, and he began to paint at a young age. He studied at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in London from 1853 to 1858.

After graduating from the Royal Academy, Webbe traveled to the Middle East, where he was influenced by the work of Orientalist painters such as David Roberts and John Frederick Lewis. He painted a number of scenes of Middle Eastern life, including landscapes, cityscapes, and genre scenes.

Webbe returned to England in the early 1860s, and he began to paint landscapes of the English countryside. He was particularly interested in painting scenes of rural life, such as sheep grazing in fields and children playing in meadows.

Webbe also painted a number of religious paintings, including scenes from the Bible and the lives of the saints. He was known for his detailed and realistic depictions of biblical scenes.

In addition to his paintings, Webbe also illustrated a number of books, including children's books and religious texts. He was known for his delicate and whimsical illustrations.

Webbe was a member of the Royal British Academy, and he exhibited his work there regularly. He was also a member of the Society of British Artists and the Newlyn School.

Webbe was a versatile and talented artist who made significant contributions to Victorian art. His paintings are characterized by their detailed brushwork, realistic depictions, and sense of atmosphere. He is considered to be one of the leading English landscape painters of his generation.

Webbe's work is held in several collections, including the Tate Gallery in London, the National Gallery of Victoria in Melbourne, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.