Evelyn De Morgan, born Mary Evelyn Pickering, was a distinguished English Pre-Raphaelite painter and philanthropist, whose work flourished during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Born on September 30, 1855, in London, she was the daughter of upper-middle-class parents, Percival Pickering and Anna Maria Wilhelmina Spencer Stanhope, herself a notable artist. From an early age, Evelyn displayed a profound interest and talent in art, nurtured and encouraged by her family. De Morgan received her formal art education at the Slade School of Fine Art in London, where she trained under the tutelage of noted artists such as Frederick Sandys and her uncle, the celebrated Pre-Raphaelite painter John Roddam Spencer Stanhope. Under their guidance, she developed a distinctive style characterized by meticulous attention to detail, vibrant colors, and a deep reverence for classical themes and mythology. During her formative years, De Morgan was influenced by the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood and the Arts and Crafts movement, which emphasized the importance of medieval craftsmanship and the integration of art into everyday life. These influences would shape her artistic vision and set her apart from her contemporaries. De Morgan's early works often depicted allegorical and mythical subjects, imbued with a sense of mysticism and spirituality. Her paintings frequently explored themes of love, sacrifice, and redemption, drawing inspiration from literature, poetry, and religious texts. One of her most renowned works, "The Gilded Cage" (c. 1919), exemplifies her skillful use of symbolism and her ability to evoke complex emotions through imagery. In addition to her achievements as a painter, Evelyn De Morgan was also a committed social activist and philanthropist. She was deeply involved in various charitable causes, including women's suffrage and the abolition of slavery. Together with her husband, ceramicist William De Morgan, whom she married in 1887, she supported numerous progressive initiatives aimed at improving the lives of marginalized communities. Throughout her career, De Morgan faced the challenges and constraints imposed by Victorian society, which often limited women's opportunities for artistic expression and professional recognition. Despite these obstacles, she persevered, earning acclaim for her innovative approach to painting and her unwavering commitment to her craft. In her later years, De Morgan's artistic focus shifted towards spiritualism and the exploration of metaphysical themes. She became increasingly fascinated by theosophy and the esoteric teachings of figures such as Helena Blavatsky, which found expression in her later works. Despite her declining health, she remained dedicated to her creative pursuits until her death on May 2, 1919, leaving behind a rich legacy of art and activism. Today, Evelyn De Morgan is celebrated as one of the most accomplished female artists of her time, whose work continues to captivate audiences with its timeless beauty and profound insight. Her contributions to the Pre-Raphaelite movement and her advocacy for social justice have secured her a place of honor in the annals of art history, inspiring generations of artists to follow in her footsteps.