25
Irish Women Artists 1870 - 1970
Summer 2014
15. Sophia Rosamond Praeger (1867-1954)
The Philosopher
Bronze on wooden plinth, 28cm (bronze)
Signed and inscribed with title
Sophia Rosamond Praeger was born in Holywood Co. Down and studied at the Slade in Lon-
don under Legros where she won prizes for clay modeling. She studied in Paris before returning
to Ireland setting up a studio first in Belfast then in Holywood. Her reputation was established
when she first exhibited a version of this highly popular piece “The Philosopher” which she
later carved in marble and did several versions of including this one in bronze. She ran a very
successful studio producing small plaster pieces . She exhibited 53 pieces at the RHA between
1899 - 1944 and was elected HRHA in 1927. She also served as President of the Royal Ulster
Academy and is also remembered for her illustrations in children’s books.
