Simeon Solomon Biography

Simeon Solomon (1840-1905) was a British painter associated with the Pre-Raphaelites who was noted for his depictions of Jewish life and same-sex desire. His career was cut short as a result of public scandal following his arrests and convictions for attempted sodomy in 1873 and 1874.

Solomon was born into a prominent Jewish family. He was the eighth and last child born to merchant Michael (Meyer) Solomon and artist Catherine (Kate) Levy. Solomon was a younger brother to fellow painters Abraham Solomon (1824-1862) and Rebecca Solomon (1832-1886).

Born and educated in London, Solomon started receiving lessons in painting from his older brother around 1850. He started attending Carey's Art Academy in 1852. His older sister first exhibited her works at the Royal Academy during the same year.

As a student at the Royal Academy Schools, Solomon was introduced through Dante Gabriel Rossetti to other members of the Pre-Raphaelite circle, as well as the poet Algernon Charles Swinburne and the painter Edward Burne-Jones in 1857. His first exhibition was at the Royal Academy in 1858. He continued to hold exhibitions of his work at the Royal Academy between 1858 and 1872. In addition to the literary paintings favoured by the Pre-Raphaelite school, Solomon's subjects often included scenes from the Hebrew Bible and genre paintings depicting Jewish life and rituals. He produced illustrations for Swinburne's controversial novel Lesbia Brandon in 1865.

In 1873, Solomon was arrested for soliciting in public toilets and having sex with a 60-year-old stableman named George Roberts. Both men were charged with indecent exposure and an attempt to commit buggery. Both were found guilty, fined £100 and sentenced to 18 months hard labour. Solomon was arrested again in 1874 in Paris on a similar charge, after which he was sentenced to spend three months in prison.

In the 1880s and 1890s, after his prosecutions, he was unable to support himself and suffered from alcoholism. He no longer exhibited but continued to produce artworks. He spent several stints in the St. Giles Workhouse. During this time Solomon was supported by his family, and friends, including Frederick Hollyer who produced reproductions of Solomon's work.

On 14 August 1905, he died from complications brought on by his alcoholism. He was buried at the Jewish Cemetery in Willesden.