Sir Edward John Poynter (March 20 1836 - July 26 1919) was a British painter.
The son of Ambrose Poynter, an architect, He was born in Paris. he studied in London, in Rome (where he became a great admirer of Michelangelo) and with Charles Gleyre in Paris (where he met James McNeill Whistler). He became best known for his large historical paintings such as Israel in Egypt (1867, his first great success), Visit of the Queen of Sheba (1871-75) and King Solomon (1890).
Poynter held a number of official posts: he was the first Slade Professor from 1871 to 1875, was Principal of the National Art Training School from 1875 to 1881, was director of the National Gallery from 1894 to 1904 (overseeing the opening of the Tate Gallery), and became a Royal Academician in 1876. On the death of Sir John Millais in 1896, Edward was elected President of the Royal Academy from 1896, and recieved a knighthood. He was made a baronet in 1902
Poynter was husband to Edward Burne-Jones's sister-in-law.
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