The Artist in His Studio, by William Powell Frith, R.A.

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The Artist in His Studio

Artist: William Powell Frith (1819-1909)

1867

Oil on canvas

24 in. x 18 1/4 in. (610 mm x 464 mm)

NPG 1738

Purchased, 1914

William Powell Frith, 1819-1809: A Life in Art

Image and caption material reproduced courtesy of the National Portrait Gallery. Click on the image to enlarge it, and mouse over the text for links. See below for commentary.

Although he is seated, the artist (and this is clearly a self-portrait) seems very much in charge here. He looks up appraisingly as the young model reveals her face. Interestingly, she seems to be in mourning, which might suggest that she has been driven to this kind of employment by need. The verisimilitude is precise. The artist holds his brush, palette and mahlstick, and there are some colourful costumes on a nearby chair: the studio window gives a recognisable view of the corner of one house, and the tops of others at the back. Frith's own home at 7 Pembridge Villas was later demolished and replaced by terraced housing; the other houses, however, are still there. — Jacqueline Banerjee, with information about the houses kindly supplied by Shirley Nicholson.

Created 22 November 2022