Howard Somerville (1873-1952)
| Artist Name | Howard Somerville (1873-1952) |
|---|---|
| Title | Portrait of Miss Stuchbury |
| Description | This superb atmospheric British Edwardian portrait oil painting is by noted Scottish artist Howard Somerville. Painted in 1911 it is a half length portrait of Miss Blanche Stuchbury, suffragette, in a black dress and hat. The back story is that Blanche was ladies companion to Agnes Kingsley Wood and lived in the household. Agnes' husband was Sir Howard Kingsley Wood, lawyer, politician and Methodist. This would have made for a very interesting household for Blanche to work in. The immediate background of the painting is lighter and so she stands out beautifully. There is a very sympathetic portrayal of her face which has a kindly expression and she is wearing a vivid blue necklace. A really superb Edwardian portrait of Miss Blanche Stuchbury and an excellent example of Somerville's work. Signed upper right. |
| Provenance | Chenil Galleries stamp verso. |
| Medium | Oil on Canvas |
| Size | 25 x 30 inches |
| Frame | Housed in a black frame with gold slip, 37 inches by 32 inches framed and in good condition. |
| Condition | Good condition. |
| Biography | Howard Somerville (1873-1952) Somerville was a Scottish artist born in Dundee. He was a painter of portraits, interiors, still life and figure subjects in oil and sketches of women in ink. He was also an etcher. After a private education he studied science and engineering at Dundee Technical College. He became an engineer but gave this up in favour of art. Somerville settled in London in 1899 aged 26 and began to contribute artistically to Punch and other magazines. He then moved to Glasgow and on to New York before returning to London. He was elected RPE in1917. He exhibited principally in London galleries, the provinces and Paris Salon. He also exhibited Royal Academy 14, Royal Scottish Academy 8, Glasgow Institute 28, Walker Gallery, Liverpool 17 and LS 14. Sommerville is also represented in the Scottish National Portrait Gallery and the Walker Gallery Liverpool. |
| Price | £5800 |
