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William Orpen: Politics, Sex and Death
Contributor(s): Upstone, Robert (Author), Foster, R. F. (Author), Jenkins, David Fraser (Author)

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 ISBN: 0856675962     ISBN-13: 9780856675966
Publisher: Philip Wilson Publishers
OUR PRICE: $68.00  

Binding Type: Hardcover - See All Available Formats & Editions
Published: May 2005
* Out of Print *

Annotation: This book, which accompanies a retrospective exhibition at the Imperial War Museum London in January 2005, reappraises an artist who, at the time of his death in 1931, was probably the best-known painter in Britain. The book reveals the full variety of William Orpen's work from his highly accomplished portraits, his revitalization of the nude and the conversation piece, to his extraordinary allegories and war paintings. It analyzes the series of self-portraits, many mocking his own character with a mixture of humor and bitterness, that are a particular feature of his oeuvre. His experiences as an official war artist in France from 1917 to 1919 made him cynical of politicians. Although he painted brilliant portraits of these very men, and of generals and war heroes, he also produced some bitter allegories of war. The war years form the climax of both the book and the exhibition.
Additional Information
BISAC Categories:
- Art | Individual Artists - General
- Art | European
- Art | History - Modern (late 19th Century To 1945)
Dewey: 940.481
LCCN: 2005434264
Physical Information: 0.81" H x 9.54" W x 11.04" L (2.74 lbs) 1384 pages
Themes:
- Chronological Period - 1900-1919
Features: Dust Cover, Illustrated
 
Descriptions, Reviews, Etc.
Publisher Description:
This book, which accompanies a retrospective exhibition at the Imperial War Museum London in January 2005, reappraises an artist who, at the time of his death in 1931, was probably the best-known painter in Britain. The book reveals the full variety of William Orpen's work from his highly accomplished portraits, his revitalization of the nude and the conversation piece, to his extraordinary allegories and war paintings. It analyzes the series of self-portraits, many mocking his own character with a mixture of humor and bitterness, that are a particular feature of his oeuvre. His experiences as an official war artist in France from 1917 to 1919 made him cynical of politicians. Although he painted brilliant portraits of these very men, and of generals and war heroes, he also produced some bitter allegories of war. The war years form the climax of both the book and the exhibition.
 
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