Student Artwork Guide
Copyright This work is in the public domain. Ernest Procter died in 1935; copyright lasts 70 years after the artist’s death, so it ended in 2005.
In context
The Zodiac — Ernest Procter
The original measures 152 × 168 cm (height × width), drawn here beside an adult of average height.
Row above: the years. Row below: how old the artist was at the start and at the end of each span — 0 at birth, 50 at death.
Painted when the artist was 40. The artist lived to 50. 3 of the 16 dated works by this artist in our catalogue came earlier.
Shaded: the lifetime of Ernest Procter (1885–1935) ▲ this work, 1925 every dated painting, decade by decade
First works: up to 1925 Main working years: 1925–1929 Late works: from 1929
Those three bands split the works this catalogue has a date for into a first quarter, a middle half and a last quarter. They are not the artist’s complete output: a thin stretch may be a gap in the record rather than a quiet spell. The same years with the artist’s life laid along them
Pick one work above: name two things it shares with this one, and one thing that's different.
More works to set beside this one: originaluniqueart.com/en/art/similar/ernest-procter-the-zodiac-AQUEHS-en/
Measured from the image
Main colour
Espresso #3e4241
Catalogued palette
These colours inside the artist’s whole palette Find other paintings by colour
The ten leading countries
Find the three darkest countries on the map. Is the museum that keeps this painting in any of them? Write down one reason people far away might look at it.
Together these works take 100.0% of all the attention this artist's paintings received over the last twelve months. The catalogue holds 19 works by this artist, of which 5 were looked at at least once. This painting has not been looked at yet in that time — it closes the list without a rank. The same counts, month by month
Bars measure attention, not quality. Pick the work at the top and this one: name one thing that might make a painting famous beyond how well it is painted.
About this artwork
The Zodiac — Ernest Procter
The Zodiac is a remarkable oil painting created by the talented artist Ernest Procter in 1925. This artwork measures 152 x 168 cm and is a testament to Procter's skill and artistic vision. The painting features a woman with a bow and arrow, surrounded by various mythical creatures such as lions, dragons, and angels.
The Zodiac showcases Procter's unique style, which blends elements of mythology and fantasy. The use of oil on canvas adds depth and richness to the painting, while the vibrant colors create a captivating visual experience. As an expert in art and a salesman at AllPaintingsStore.com, I can appreciate the significance of this artwork and its place in the history of modern art.
The painting's central figure, a woman with a bow and arrow, is reminiscent of classical mythology and the goddess Artemis.
The surrounding creatures, including lions and dragons, add a touch of fantasy and whimsy to the scene.
The inclusion of celestial elements, such as the moon in the background, creates a sense of wonder and enchantment.
Handmade oil painting reproductions of the Zodiac are available at AllPaintingsStore.com, allowing art enthusiasts to own a piece of history. These reproductions are created using traditional techniques and high-quality materials, ensuring that they are both durable and visually stunning. For more information on Ernest Procter and his artwork, visit the Margate Old Town Local History Museum in Margate, United Kingdom. This museum features a collection of artworks from renowned artists, including Pablo Picasso and Henri De Toulouse Lautrec.
The Zodiac is a remarkable example of Procter's skill and artistic vision, and its captivating blend of mythology and fantasy continues to inspire art enthusiasts today. As a salesman at AllPaintingsStore.com, I am delighted to offer handmade oil painting reproductions of this artwork, allowing collectors to own a piece of history.
Artist and museum
Born in Tynemouth, Northumberland, in 1885, Ernest Procter’s artistic journey began within a family steeped in tradition – his father, Henry Richardson Procter, was a distinguished chemist and Fellow of the Royal Society, while his lineage traced back to generations of Quaker tanners. This unique blend of scientific rigor and artisanal heritage profoundly shaped Procter's approach to art, imbuing his work with both meticulous observation and a deep appreciation for texture and materiality. Initially educated at Bootham Friends’ School in York, he later found his way to Newlyn, Cornwall, a burgeoning hub of artistic innovation during the early 20th century – a place that would become inextricably linked to his identity and creative output.
Newlyn, with its vibrant community of artists drawn from across Britain, offered Procter an environment ripe for experimentation. He enrolled in Stanhope Forbes’ School of Painting, absorbing the principles of Impressionism and the Newlyn School's distinctive style – a focus on capturing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere, particularly within the rugged beauty of the Cornish coastline. His time under Forbes proved formative, fostering his technical skills and introducing him to fellow students like Dod Procter, whom he would later marry in 1912. This union marked not only a personal partnership but also a collaborative artistic force; together, they established the Harvey-Procter School, a respected institution that nurtured young artists and contributed significantly to the local art scene.
Stanhope Forbes’ teachings were crucial in shaping Procter's early style. Forbes emphasized direct observation, encouraging students to capture the essence of their subjects rather than relying on academic conventions. This approach is evident in Procter’s landscapes – particularly his depictions of Penlee Point, a dramatic headland overlooking the Atlantic – where he masterfully renders the interplay of light and shadow, conveying both the grandeur and vulnerability of the Cornish coastline. However, Procter's artistic development extended beyond Newlyn; he spent time studying at the Atelier Colarossi in Paris, immersing himself in the vibrant atmosphere of the Parisian art world and absorbing the techniques of Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. Artists like Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Paul Cézanne undoubtedly influenced his palette and approach to capturing fleeting moments.
While Procter’s landscapes are undeniably striking, it is perhaps in his portraits that he truly excelled. His subjects – often young women from the local fishing community – were rendered with a remarkable sensitivity and attention to detail. He eschewed idealized representations, instead capturing their inherent dignity and vulnerability. Works like “Professor Henry Richardson Procter” showcase this talent for realism, while simultaneously conveying a sense of quiet wisdom and inner strength. His portraits are not merely likenesses; they are imbued with emotion, revealing the subtle nuances of human character through masterful use of light, shadow, and texture – particularly his signature impasto technique.
Among Procter’s most celebrated works is “Morning,” a captivating portrait of a young fisherman's daughter that caused a sensation at the 1927 Royal Academy exhibition. The painting’s evocative depiction of light, shadow, and emotion secured it the title of "Picture of the Year" and was subsequently purchased by the Daily Mail for display in the Tate Gallery. Other notable works include “Penlee Point,” a stunning landscape that exemplifies his mastery of capturing the Cornish coastline, and “Uphill from the North,” a vibrant depiction of a coastal scene showcasing his ability to translate the beauty of nature onto canvas. His work was also exhibited at the Royal Academy, the Leicester Galleries, and other prestigious venues throughout Britain.
Ernest Procter’s artistic legacy extends far beyond his individual paintings. He played a pivotal role in fostering the Newlyn School and its distinctive style, contributing to the development of Cornish art as a whole. His commitment to teaching and mentorship ensured that his techniques and vision were passed on to future generations of artists. Even today, Procter's work continues to resonate with viewers, offering a poignant glimpse into the beauty and spirit of Cornwall – a testament to an artist who captured not just the landscape but also the very essence of human experience.
originaluniqueart.com/en/art/download/ernest-procter-the-zodiac-AQUEHS-en/
Look closely
The Zodiac — Ernest Procter
Answer in your own words. There are no wrong answers here — only answers you can explain.
Write a short paragraph about this artwork. Use the facts from the earlier parts of this guide, and your answers above.
"The Zodiac" by Ernest Procter is in the public domain - its copyright has expired. Copyright duration runs from the artist's death, which occurred in 1935.
The colors of "The Zodiac" by Ernest Procter have a muted saturation. Saturation describes how vivid or muted the colors are.
To get a digital file of "The Zodiac" by Ernest Procter, order a high-resolution digital image download on its Digital Image page.