the collector's folio

William Holman Hunt Most Popular Paintings

The 25 artworks by William Holman Hunt our visitors ask for most, ranked by popularity and presented one by one, with the specification and the price of each hand-painted reproduction.

Edition 2026 · 25 artworks Each artwork painted to order
Linen canvas · Certificate of authenticity · Delivered worldwide William Holman Hunt · 1827 – 1910

The Hireling Shepherd

1851 · Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester · original 76 x 110 cm

Explore William Holman Hunt’s ‘The Hireling Shepherd,’ a Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece! Discover its rich symbolism, detailed realism & pastoral beauty – perfect for art lovers & collectors.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 1 of 126 artworks by William Holman Hunt
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20238 × 26 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$418110 × 76 cm Commission at original size

The Awakening Conscience

Explore William Holman Hunt’s ‘The Awakening Conscience,’ a Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece revealing Victorian morality & secrets. A stunning window into the soul, rich in symbolism and detail.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 2 of 126 artworks by William Holman Hunt
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$20227 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Fanny Waugh Hunt

1868 · Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo · original 104 x 73 cm

William Holman Hunt’s “The Lady of Shalott” exemplifies Pre-Raphaelite artistry with meticulous detail and luminous glazing, reflecting Ruskin's belief in perceiving the world as God sees—a profound meditation on faith and duty symbolized by serene beauty and medieval iconography.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 3 of 126 artworks by William Holman Hunt
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$37173 × 104 cm Commission at original size

The Shadow of Death

Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester · original 73 x 94 cm

Explore William Holman Hunt’s ‘The Shadow of Death,’ a stunning Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece depicting Christ's sacrifice. Detailed realism & rich symbolism await! #art #pre Raphaelite

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 4 of 126 artworks by William Holman Hunt
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$22728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$40073 × 94 cm Commission at original size

The Light of the World

1851 · Keble College, Oxford · original 59 x 125 cm

Experience 'The Light of the World' by William Holman Hunt – a powerful Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece depicting Jesus offering salvation through divine light. Explore symbolism, Victorian art & Hunt’s visionary style.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 5 of 126 artworks by William Holman Hunt
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17722 × 46 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$36559 × 125 cm Commission at original size

Our English Coasts, 1852 (`Strayed Sheep

1852 · Tate Britain, London · original 58 x 43 cm

Holman Hunt’s ‘Strayed Sheep,’ a luminous oil painting from 1852, captures the sublime beauty of rural England and embodies profound spiritual reflection. Witness masterful realism depicting biblical allegory—explore this iconic Victorian masterpiece.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 6 of 126 artworks by William Holman Hunt
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$22158 × 43 cm Commission at original size

The Lady of Shalott

1889 · Manchester Art Gallery, Manchester

This iconic Pre-Raphaelite painting portrays Elaine of Astolat's tragic journey as she defies a curse to gaze upon Sir Lancelot. Explore its rich symbolism, masterful technique, and enduring legacy at the Manchester Art Gallery.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 7 of 126 artworks by William Holman Hunt
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

The Light of the World

1853 · Keble College, Oxford · original 125 x 60 cm

Explore "The Light of the World" by Holman Hunt – a profound Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece depicting Christ's invitation and humanity’s potential for salvation. A symbol of hope & faith.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 8 of 126 artworks by William Holman Hunt
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17722 × 45 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$36860 × 125 cm Commission at original size

The Risen Christ with the Two Marys in the Garden of Joseph of Arimathea

1897 · Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide

Experience William Holman Hunt's monumental 'The Risen Christ.' This Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece depicts the resurrection scene with profound symbolism and rich detail, capturing a pivotal moment of faith and hope.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 9 of 126 artworks by William Holman Hunt
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Self Portrait

1845 · Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham

William Holman Hunt’s intense self-portrait captures the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood's realism and moral focus. This 1845 painting showcases youthful dedication with meticulous detail, reflecting Victorian artistic ideals – discover this iconic artwork.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 10 of 126 artworks by William Holman Hunt
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

The Triumph of the Innocents

1876 · Tate Gallery, London · original 247 x 157 cm

William Holman Hunt's 'The Triumph of the Innocents' (1876) depicts Mary and baby Jesus amidst angelic figures, symbolizing purity & divine protection. A Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 11 of 126 artworks by William Holman Hunt
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17741 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$1273247 × 157 cm Commission at original size

Claudio and Isabella

1850 · Tate Gallery, London

William Holman Hunt's 'Claudio and Isabella' (1850) depicts a poignant moral dilemma: can a sister sacrifice her virtue to save her brother’s life? Explore Pre-Raphaelite detail & Shakespearean drama.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 12 of 126 artworks by William Holman Hunt
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17723 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

May Morning on Magdalen Tower

1888 · Lady Lever Art Gallery, Ліверпуль

Experience the beauty of Pre-Raphaelite art with May Morning on Magdalen Tower by William Holman Hunt – a detailed depiction of Oxford University’s Magdalen College and its sunrise ceremony.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 13 of 126 artworks by William Holman Hunt
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17736 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

Valentine Sylvia from Proteus

Experience the intense detail of William Holman Hunt's Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece, Valentine Sylvia from Proteus; discover this dramatic Shakespearean scene today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 14 of 126 artworks by William Holman Hunt
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17736 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

The Triumph of the Innocents

1887 · Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool · original 2477 x 1575 cm

William Holman Hunt’s monumental 'The Triumph of the Innocents' captures a poignant biblical scene—the Holy Family’s escape to Egypt—rendered in breathtaking detail with luminous oil paint and imbued with mystical symbolism. Explore this Victorian masterpiece and bring its serene beauty into your home.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 15 of 126 artworks by William Holman Hunt
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17741 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

Isabella and the Pot of Basil

1868

Experience the vivid detail of William Holman Hunt's Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece, Isabella and the Pot of Basil; discover this emotional vision today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 16 of 126 artworks by William Holman Hunt
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17723 × 43 cm Commission this artwork

A Converted British Family Sheltering a Christian Missionary the Persecution of the Druids

View the most popular artwork of William Holman Hunt ranked #17: A Converted British Family Sheltering a Christian Missionary the Persecution of the Druids

1850 · Ashmolean Museum, Oxford

William Holman Hunt’s Pre-Raphaelite masterpiece captures a poignant Victorian tableau—a devout family sheltering a missionary from Druid persecution—executed with luminous detail and profound spiritual depth. Explore this iconic artwork and bring its timeless beauty into your home.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 17 of 126 artworks by William Holman Hunt
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17736 × 28 cm Commission this artwork

The Awakening Conscience

1853 · Tate Britain, London · original 55 x 76 cm

William Holman Hunt's "The Awakening Conscience" (1853) depicts a woman’s moral awakening amidst opulent surroundings, reflecting Victorian anxieties about sin and redemption through symbolism & detail.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 18 of 126 artworks by William Holman Hunt
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 37 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$27155 × 76 cm Commission at original size

Claudio and Isabella

1850 · Tate Britain, London · original 42 x 75 cm

William Holman Hunt's 'Claudio and Isabella' (1850) portrays a heartbreaking moral dilemma from Shakespeare, rendered with Pre-Raphaelite detail & symbolism – a poignant scene of sacrifice.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 19 of 126 artworks by William Holman Hunt
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17724 × 42 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$24142 × 75 cm Commission at original size

The flight of Madeline and Porphyro during the drunkenness attending the revelry (The Eve of St. Agnes)

View the most popular artwork of William Holman Hunt ranked #20: The flight of Madeline and Porphyro during the drunkenness attending the revelry (The Eve of St. Agnes)

1857 · Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool · original 355 x 252 cm

William Holman Hunt’s "The Flight of Madeline and Porphyro" depicts a pivotal scene from Tennyson’s poem, capturing the moment Madeline spies Sir Launcelot in her mirror as her fate begins to unwind. Painted with meticulous detail and employing innovative lighting techniques, it embodies Pre-Raphaelite ideals of naturalism and spiritual devotion.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 20 of 126 artworks by William Holman Hunt
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17738 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

The Lady of Shalott

1905

Experience the elegance of The Lady of Shalott by William Holman Hunt, a masterpiece of Pre-Raphaelite art capturing serene contemplation; discover this timeless beauty today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 21 of 126 artworks by William Holman Hunt
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17728 × 36 cm Commission this artwork

Self-Portrait

1845 · original 39 x 45 cm

A serious and intense gaze defines this 1845 Self-Portrait by Pre-Raphaelite master William Holman Hunt, capturing the meticulous realism of his early career and inviting you to explore this iconic piece of art history.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 22 of 126 artworks by William Holman Hunt
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17729 × 34 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$20039 × 45 cm Commission at original size

The Finding of the Saviour in the Temple

1862 · Birmingham Museum and Art Gallery, Birmingham · original 70 x 45 cm

William Holman Hunt’s ‘The Finding of the Saviour in the Temple’ (1862) is a breathtaking Pre-Raphaelite oil painting capturing a pivotal biblical moment with meticulous detail and vibrant color. Explore this iconic work and its profound symbolism – discover your perfect art reproduction today.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 23 of 126 artworks by William Holman Hunt
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17740 × 25 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$24170 × 45 cm Commission at original size

Portrait of Fanny Holman Hunt

1868 · Toledo Museum of Art, Toledo · original 73 x 106 cm

Admire William Holman Hunt's poignant portrait of Fanny Waugh Hunt—a masterpiece reflecting Pre-Raphaelite artistry and capturing her beauty amidst Victorian elegance. Explore its symbolism & historical context.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 24 of 126 artworks by William Holman Hunt
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17727 × 38 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$37573 × 106 cm Commission at original size

The Scapegoat

1854 · Lady Lever Art Gallery, Sunfield · original 86 x 136 cm

Experience the serene beauty of William Holman Hunt’s ‘The Scapegoat,’ a meticulously crafted depiction of a goat contemplating a distant bird on a tranquil beach. Explore Victorian idealism through stunning detail.

Technique: Hand-painted oil on linen canvas
Made: To order, by a trained painter
Popularity: No. 25 of 126 artworks by William Holman Hunt
Delivery: Worldwide, about 5 weeks

from$17737 × 27 cm Commission this artwork

Same size as the original$491136 × 86 cm Commission at original size

The artist

William Holman Hunt

1827 – 1910

Quick facts

Viberomantic
Corpus themespre-raphaelite ideals, victorian morality, pre-renaissance masters influence, religious devotion, spiritual quest
Creative periodsmature period
Room fitliving room
NationalityUnited Kingdom
Copyright statusPublic domain
Movementspre-raphaelites
Topics exploredsymbolism, portraits, women, pre-raphaelite, victorian era

Biography

A Life Devoted to Vision

William Holman Hunt, born in Cheapside, London on April 2, 1827, was more than simply a painter; he was a philosophical and spiritual seeker who translated his deepest convictions onto canvas. His early life, though rooted in the bustling commercial world of his father’s warehouse business, held within it an artistic inclination that would ultimately defy expectations. Initially destined for a career mirroring his father's, Hunt found solace and purpose in art, beginning with surreptitious sketching and later, after some struggle, formal training at the Royal Academy Schools. This period of apprenticeship, however, proved restrictive. He yearned for an artistic expression that transcended prevailing academic conventions—a desire that would soon propel him toward revolutionary change. He felt stifled by what he perceived as the artificiality of contemporary art and sought a return to the sincerity and detail found in pre-Renaissance masters, a sentiment central to the formation of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood. Hunt’s journey wasn't merely about aesthetics; it was a quest for truth, morality, and spiritual resonance within the realm of visual representation.

The Genesis of a Revolutionary Brotherhood

In 1848, alongside Dante Gabriel Rossetti and John Everett Millais, Hunt established the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood (PRB). This collective wasn’t just an artistic movement; it was a rebellion against what they saw as the decline of art since Raphael. The PRB advocated for a return to meticulous detail, vibrant colors, and sincere subject matter characteristic of early Italian painting—before the perceived artificiality of High Renaissance ideals took hold. Hunt's commitment to this philosophy remained unwavering throughout his career. Early works like The Hireling Shepherd, painted in 1851, exemplify this dedication. The painting’s painstaking realism – from the texture of the sheep’s wool to each individual blade of grass – was revolutionary for its time. It wasn't merely a depiction of rural life; it was an attempt to convey moral and symbolic meaning through precise observation of nature. The Awakening Conscience, also from this period, further solidified Hunt’s reputation for intensely naturalistic scenes imbued with psychological depth and moral weight. These paintings weren’t just visually striking; they were statements about the artist's belief in art as a vehicle for truth and spiritual awakening. The Brotherhood sought to challenge the established norms of artistic production, rejecting what they perceived as formulaic academic painting in favor of a more direct and honest engagement with the world around them.

A Pilgrimage of Faith and Symbolic Depth

Hunt’s artistic journey took an extraordinary turn with his travels to the Holy Land in the 1850s and 60s. Driven by a desire for historical and topographical accuracy, he embarked on a pilgrimage to Palestine and Syria, meticulously documenting landscapes, costumes, and customs. This dedication to authenticity profoundly influenced his later works, imbuing them with an unparalleled sense of realism and spiritual resonance. The Shadow of Death, painted during this period, stands as a powerful example. The painting depicts the scene of Christ’s sacrifice in a way that was both visually arresting and deeply symbolic, reflecting Hunt's profound religious convictions. Perhaps his most iconic work, The Light of the World, begun in 1851 and completed in 1853, encapsulates this synthesis of faith and artistic skill. The image of Christ knocking at a door, offering salvation to those who open their hearts, became immensely popular and remains one of the most recognizable religious paintings of the Victorian era. Hunt’s commitment extended beyond mere representation; he sought to imbue his works with layers of symbolic meaning, drawing upon biblical texts, medieval allegory, and contemporary social commentary. He believed that art had a moral purpose—to uplift, inspire, and guide viewers toward spiritual enlightenment.

Enduring Legacy and Later Years

Despite facing failing eyesight in his later years – a devastating blow for a painter so dedicated to detail – Hunt continued to create art, often relying on the assistance of his assistant, Edward Robert Hughes. He published an autobiography in 1905, offering invaluable insights into his artistic philosophy and personal life. His dedication was recognized with appointment to the Order of Merit by King Edward VII that same year. Hunt’s personal life was marked by both joy and sorrow; he married twice, first to Fanny Waugh, who served as a model for several of his works, and later to her sister Edith, after navigating legal complexities surrounding British laws regarding marriage to a deceased wife's sibling. He passed away on September 7, 1910, and was honored with burial in St Paul’s Cathedral—a testament to his significant contribution to British art and culture. William Holman Hunt’s legacy extends far beyond the beauty of his paintings. He revolutionized Victorian art by championing realism, symbolism, and spiritual depth, leaving an indelible mark on generations of artists and viewers alike. His works continue to inspire awe and contemplation, reminding us of the power of art to illuminate the human condition and explore the mysteries of faith.

Key Influences & Themes

Influences: John Ruskin’s writings on art and morality; Early Italian Renaissance painting (pre-Raphael); Biblical texts and medieval allegory.
Major Themes: Religious faith, moral awakening, the beauty of nature, social commentary, symbolism. Hunt consistently explored themes of redemption, sacrifice, and the search for spiritual truth in his work.
Key Dates: April 2, 1827: Born in Cheapside, London; 1851-1853: Painted The Light of the World; September 7, 1910: Passed away and buried in St Paul's Cathedral, London.

Questions & Answers

Where are William Holman Hunt's artworks organized by color?

The Spectral Index of William Holman Hunt is a page that organizes the artist's artworks by their colors.

How do I find works by William Holman Hunt in a specific palette?

To find works by William Holman Hunt in a specific palette, use the artist's By Palettes page.

What are the birth city and country of William Holman Hunt?

William Holman Hunt was born in London, in United Kingdom.

By the WikiOO.org Editorial Team Updated Aug. 31, 2026

Collector's quiz

William Holman Hunt was a founding member of which artistic movement?
What inspired Hunt's dedication to detailed realism and vibrant colors in his paintings?
Hunt undertook extensive travels to which region to ensure historical and topographical accuracy in his work?
Which of Hunt's paintings became immensely popular for its depiction of Christ offering salvation?
Despite facing a physical challenge later in life, how did Hunt continue to create art?

one You choose the size

Standard formats or any custom dimension, matched to the proportions of the original.

two We paint and send a preview

A photo of the finished canvas for your approval before it is shipped.

three Delivered, certified

Rolled, stretched or framed, insured, with a certificate of authenticity.

Commission your William Holman Hunt

Every artwork by William Holman Hunt in our catalog can be painted to order, in the size that suits the room.

All artworks by William Holman Hunt