Gwen John, Self portrait
| Full title | Self portrait |
|---|---|
| Artist | Gwen John |
| Artist dates | 1876 - 1939 |
| Date made | about 1900 |
| Medium and support | Oil on canvas |
| Dimensions | 61 × 37.8 cm |
| Acquisition credit | Lent by the National Portrait Gallery, London. Given by the Art Fund to mark Sir Alec Martin's 40 years service to the fund, 1965 |
| Inventory number | L1296 |
| Location | Room 43 |
| Art route(s) | B |
| Image copyright | Lent by the National Portrait Gallery, London. Given by the Art Fund to mark Sir Alec Martin's 40 years service to the fund, 1965, © National Portrait Gallery |
| Collection | Main Collection |
John painted this self portrait shortly after her return from Paris, where she had studied at James Abbott McNeill Whistler’s Académie Carmen. It is composed in a narrow range of subdued tones, reflecting his use of colour.
John was only around 24 when she painted this. Unlike many self portraits where the artist is positioned from the side, appearing to glance out at the viewer, she poses herself directly facing the spectator. Poised and confident, and with hand on her hip, she looks resolute and determined.
The National Gallery has endeavoured to make as many images of the collection as possible available for non-commercial use. However, an image of this painting is not available to download. This may be due to third party copyright restrictions.
If you require a license for commercial use of this image, please use the National Gallery Company's Online Picture Library or contact them using the following:
- Email: picture.library@nationalgallery.co.uk
- Telephone: +44 (0)20 7747 5994
- Fax: Fax +44 (0)20 7747 5999
