George Elgar Hicks was a notable English painter during the Victorian era, recognized for his genre paintings, portraits, and historical scenes. Born on March 13, 1824, in Lymington, Hampshire, Hicks initially embarked on a path that was far from artistic; he was educated at the College of St. Paul and later intended to practice medicine after enrolling at University College, London. However, his passion for art prevailed, and he eventually abandoned his medical studies to pursue painting full-time.
Hicks began his artistic training at the Royal Academy schools in 1844. He was influenced by the works of Charles Robert Leslie and William Powell Frith, among others. His early work was characterized by historical scenes, but he gradually shifted towards contemporary genre painting, which depicted everyday life with a sentimental or moralizing tone, typical of the Victorian era.
One of his most famous works is 'The General Post Office. One minute to 6' from 1860, which captures the hustle and bustle of Victorian life. Hicks was also known for his 'Woman's Mission' series of paintings, which include 'Companion of Manhood', 'Guide of Childhood', and 'Comforter of Old Age', highlighting the different roles of women during that period.
Throughout his career, Hicks exhibited at prestigious institutions such as the Royal Academy, the British Institution, and the Society of British Artists. He also became a member of the Royal Society of British Artists in 1861 and was elected Vice-President in 1880. Later in life, Hicks also had a successful career as a portrait painter, which became his main source of income.
George Elgar Hicks passed away on July 4, 1914, leaving behind a legacy that reflects the mores and societal values of the Victorian era through his genre and portrait paintings.
