.jpg?w=1)
Lot Essay
Walker Hodgson's series of artists' portraits, many of which are now in the National Portrait Gallery, London, were executed 1891-2. Little is known of the painter and illustrator, though he is reputed to have led a bohemian life. His series draws together some of the most active practitioners of his day, from different stylistic standpoints, in tribute to their united vocation.
Some of the sitters attained considerable repute, such as Alma-Tadema, Burne-Jones and Albert Moore; others, such as Eden Upton Eddis and Henry Holiday, are not so well known today. Frederic Leighton towers over this roll-call; by 1892, he was a recognised international presence and had served as President of the Royal Academy since 1878. He would be raised to the peerage in 1896, the year of his death. Hodgson's drawing conveys some of that august bearing; even when seated in repose Leighton commands an audience.
Some of the sitters attained considerable repute, such as Alma-Tadema, Burne-Jones and Albert Moore; others, such as Eden Upton Eddis and Henry Holiday, are not so well known today. Frederic Leighton towers over this roll-call; by 1892, he was a recognised international presence and had served as President of the Royal Academy since 1878. He would be raised to the peerage in 1896, the year of his death. Hodgson's drawing conveys some of that august bearing; even when seated in repose Leighton commands an audience.