Portrait of Max Beerbohm

A portrait of Max Beerbohm, the celebrated satirist and essayist in Wilde’s literary circle, Conder met Beerbohm in 1895 and the two became constant friends.

‘Mr. Max Beerbohm, too, was the subject of an interesting portrait. It shows him seated in a theatre box; he is immaculately attired, and probably exchanging witty repartees with some friends on a fancy-dress ball which is in progress. Some waltzing couples are seen below the red curtain on the left side. This is a good example of Conder’s portraiture, and it well exemplifies how he treated such subjects. Purists for firm draughtsmanship may cavil at the apparent lack of exact drawing in this painting, but admirers of Conder’s work will not fail to appreciate the refined and rich colouring, the skilful painting of the blacks, the ingenious way the blues of the cushion are repeated in the drop scene of the stage, the gleaming gilt of the chair, the white shirt against the dull scarlet of the box, and the gay, whirling group of dancers. The face, too, is well characterised, and the picture is clearly an affectionate souvenir from a painter to a friend whose genius and personality he liked, and whose art and friendship was appreciated in return.’ (F. Gibson, op. cit., p.50).