Portrait of the artist and his dog

Ernest Borough Johnson studied at the Slade, later becoming professor of Fine Arts at Bedford College. He exhibited in London and abroad from 1886, and was married to fellow artist, Esther George.
This stylised self-portrait is notable for its patent Whistlerian influence, apparent in Johnson’s distinctive beret, grey smock, monocle and thick moustache. Whistler’s impact permeates the composition, as hanging behind the artist are two Japanese woodcut prints, from which the artist famously drew inspiration.