John Simmons (painter)

Other literary works, such as Edmund Spenser's The Faerie Queene and Alexander Pope's The Rape of the Lock have been cited as contributing influences as well.

[2] The majority of Simmons' paintings are simple and generally portray one or two main figures set within a framework of foliage; Titania was frequently a subject of his artwork, shown delicately draped in a variety of poses.

[2] According to Bonhams he portrays "the fairy queen as a paradigm of Victorian female beauty"[2] adding "Using the winding flowers and convolvulus as a decorative motif, Simmons romantically frames the central figures, creating a stage in which their narrative can play out.

[9][10] According to Christopher Wood, an expert in Victorian art,[11] Simmons' technique demonstrated influence from Joseph Noel Paton, who utilised a very detailed style.

[13] Simmons' paintings of fairies are given a surreal effect by his skilful use of light and the realistic detail he adopts for portraying the animals and plants.