William Dyce RA (1806-1864). Scottish painter, administrator and art educator. Studied in Edinburgh, London and Rome. Influenced by the Nazarene painters and in particular, Friedrich Overbeck during his 1827-8 visit to Italy. Played an important role in the development of the British Schools of Design, based to some extent on the Gewerbeschule system in Germany. Became Superintendent and Professor of the Goverment Normal School of Design in London in 1838. Painted frescoes in the House of Lords, being the first artist to work on the frescoes; a work entitled The Baptism of Ethelbert. Dyce played an important role in drawing Pre-Raphaelitism to Ruskin 's attention. In letter to Chesneau of 28 December 1882, Ruskin noted: 'My real introduction to the whole school was by Mr. Dyce, R.A., who dragged me, literally up to Millais' picture of 'The Carpenter's Shop,' which I had passed disdainfully, and forced me to look for its merits' ( Works, 37.427-8).