The Art Book, ‘Graham Sutherland: Portrait of Somerset Mougham’, Phaidon Press Ltd. His brutal honesty may have caused public outrage, but I believe this portrait gives us rare glimpse at the human and vulnerable side of Sir William Churchill. Sutherland painted this portrait with no regard to flattery. The skin on his hands and face look soft as he grips the arm rest of the chair and fixes his gaze upon the viewer. I can almost feel his uncomfortable clothing on myself. I particularly appreciate the way his clothing represents the very human side of the sitter his waistcoat stretches across his chest, pants crumpling at the crotch, jacket moving over his shoulders and creasing around his arms, and polka dotted tie slightly off center. Sutherland created a portrait of a man at 80 resolute and intelligent, but also human and vulnerable. Most of his other portraits show his steady resolve, intelligence and strength. Churchill is often depicted as a no-nonsense leader and hero. She dismantled and broke the frame and canvas, and burnt the pieces. Lady Churchill thought it made him look angry.Īfter the death of Churchill, Lady Churchill destroyed the portrait. Others condemned the painting, saying that it was a disgrace, many feeling that it depicted Churchill as an elderly, incapable and, according to Churchill himself, ‘half witted’. Many enjoyed the portrait, noting the familiarity in expression and stance. Upon publicly revealing the portrait, Churchill made a comment about it being a ‘remarkable example of modern art’. With only 10 days until the presentation ceremony, all original plans went ahead. They were both unimpressed with the portrait, sending a note to Sutherland refusing the painting. In 1954, Lady Churchill viewed the completed portrait and took a photo to show her husband. Throughout the process, Sutherland was reluctant to show Churchill the progression on his painting. Starting the process, Churchill hoped to be painted wearing his Knight of the Garter robes, but rather, was depicted in his parliamentary attire a pinstriped waistcoat and polka dot bow tie. Sutherland made multiple sketches focusing on Churchill’s features, especially his face, hands and solid body. Previous sitters described their experience as ‘a form of cruelty’ or ‘disparagement’. Sutherland was dedicated to depicting the sitter with unwavering honesty, he wasn’t interested in flattery. In honor of Sir Winston Churchill’s 80th birthday, Graham Sutherland was commissioned by the state to paint Churchill’s portrait. His 80th birthday, on November 30, 1954, had been the occasion of a unique. Charlie Chester and a signed self portrait cartoon by George Robey. The story behind this painting is what caught my admiration. Sir Winston Churchill, in full Sir Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill. : Autograph book Winston Churchill 80th Birthday Presentation Funds.
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