William Strang was a Scottish painter and engraver widely known for his portrait work and series of imaginative prints. He was born on February 13, 1859, in Dumbarton, the son of a builder and ship's carpenter. Showing an early interest in art, Strang became an apprentice at the age of sixteen to the noted engraver Alphonse Legros at the Slade School of Fine Art in London.
Under Legros' tutelage, Strang developed a strong foundation in engraving, and his early work was heavily influenced by his mentor's style. He exhibited his work for the first time at the Royal Academy in 1882. Strang's reputation quickly grew, and he became known for his detailed and often somber etchings, which reflected his interest in the social conditions and the human psyche.
Strang was a prolific artist, creating more than a thousand etchings, illustrations for books, and portraits. His etchings ranged from intimate portraits to grand, often allegorical, narratives. He explored a variety of themes, including rural life, the Bible, and fantastical subjects drawn from his imagination. Strang's illustrations for the Bible and for various literary works such as 'Don Quixote' and 'Pilgrim's Progress' are particularly notable.
In addition to etching, Strang also painted, though his painted works have received less attention than his printmaking. His paintings often contained the same psychological intensity as his prints, and he painted a number of notable contemporaries, including the famous author Thomas Hardy.
Strang was elected to the Royal Society of Painter-Etchers and Engravers in 1886 and later served as its president. Despite his success, he did not achieve widespread fame during his lifetime, and his work was often overshadowed by his contemporaries. However, his art has since been reevaluated, and he is now recognized as an important figure in the history of British printmaking.
William Strang died on April 12, 1921, in Bournemouth, England. His legacy lives on through his contributions to the arts and his influence on subsequent generations of printmakers and illustrators.
