Herbert James Gunn (1893-1964)
| Artist Name | Herbert James Gunn (1893-1964) |
|---|---|
| Title | Portrait of Lady Joan Kitchen |
| Description | This lovely British portrait oil painting is by noted portrait artist James Gunn. Painted circa 1940 it is a seated portrait of Lady Joan Kitchen who resided in Sussex. She is wearing a white capped sleeved dress, pearl broach, necklace and earrings. Her silver hair is back off her face. Her hands are clasped in her lap and she is smiling slightly at the artist/viewer. The colourful background is completely filled with white and pink rhododendrons. The details of her dress’ neckline and the brushwork on the flowers behind are superb. This is a lovely portrait of a handsome, confident woman, probably a keen gardener that she chose flowers rather than a lavish interior to demonstrate her status and wealth. This is also an excellent example of Gunn's portraits and his ability to capture his sitter's personality. Signed lower right. |
| Provenance | Sussex estate. |
| Medium | Oil on Canvas |
| Size | 20 x 30 inches |
| Frame | Housed in an ornate carved giltwood frame. Framed size is 37 inches by 27 inches and in good condition. |
| Condition | Good condition. |
| Biography | Herbert James Gunn (1893-1964). Glasgow-born Gunn briefly studied art at Glasgow and Edinburgh before moving to the Académie Julian in Paris in 1911. Whilst in Paris, Gunn met William Hutchison who was to be a friend for life. After serving with the 10th Scottish Rifles in the First World War, Gunn returned to Scotland where he married twice within a decade. His second wife, Pauline Miller, became a model for some of his best-known paintings. In 1929 Gunn decided to devote himself to portraiture and soon established a prolific and successful career. His portraits are sometimes sombre but always carefully painted, with close attention to detail. His distinguished sitters include Queen Elizabeth, Prince Philip and the Queen Mother. |
| Price | £8000 |
