Victorian Art in Britain

Louise Goode was born in Manchester. At the age of only seventeen, she married Frank Romer. In 1865, Romer became Private Secretary to Baron Rothschild in Paris. It was at this time, that Louise's artistic talent was spotted by Baroness Rothschild, who arranged for her to have some training. Unfortunately, Romer was dismissed by Rothschild in 1869. The couple returned to England, where the unfortunate Romer died in 1873. In 1874 Louise married the watercolour painter Joseph Middleton Jopling (1831-1884).

Jopling was the great friend and companion of Millais 'Joe Jopling.' Millais was to have a profound influence on Louise Jopling, as henceforth her painting was to show distinct signs of his example. In 1879, Millais painted a most striking and beautiful portrait of Louise (shown above), very much in his later and freer style. The words striking and beautiful could just as easily have been applied to Louise Jopling herself at this time. She painted pictures of domestic life and portraits, many of which were highly accomplished. Louise Jopling was the first woman to be elected a member of the Royal Society of British Artists.

Obituary