Augustus John, O.M., R.A. (1878-1961)

Portrait of Arthur Symons

Details

Augustus John, O.M., R.A. (1878-1961)
Portrait of Arthur Symons
oil on canvas
34 x 25in. (86.5 x 63.5cm.)
Painted circa 1914

Literature

R. Lhombreaud, The Dictionary of National Biography 1941-50, London, 1959, p.859.
M. Holroyd (intro.), Augustus John Autobiography, London, 1975, p.250.

Exhibited

London, Alpine Club, Pictures and Decorations by Augustus John, Nov. 1917-Feb. 1918, no.37.
New York, Scott & Fowles, Augustus John in the American Collections, March-April 1949, no.17.

Lot Essay

John painted the poet, critic, and translator Arthur Symons (1865-1945) during the First World War. He later recalled that the sitter, who was recovering from a breakdown, was constantly disturbed by the roaring aeroplanes overhead.
(see M. Holroyd, loc. cit.).

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