This early 20th-century self-portrait by Ines Octavia Hawkins Johnson (1890-1973) captures the spirit of this formidable, yet unassuming, female artist.

It’s difficult to remark upon the career of Ines Johnson without first considering the preconceptions of the world she worked within. During the early 20th century, despite the fact that women had been producing extraordinary art for centuries, it was still significantly harder for a woman to achieve gainful employment as a fine artist. Whether this was due to the perception of a woman’s role in society more broadly or simply due to a bias towards the perceived skill of women in art, remains to be seen. But either way, it wasn’t an easy path for her.

To break into the exclusive world of the Royal Academy, many women turned their attention to miniatures and this is where Johnson made her name exhibiting numerous times between 1922 and 1957. Her exquisitely fine works in watercolour often depicted fashionable society ladies - each carrying life and buoyancy – as if the sitter was caught off-guard at a candid moment. It’s astonishing that, today, these are rarely found given their evident quality.

Here, in this gentle self-portrait from around 1920, we catch a glimpse of a humble artist with extraordinary ability. Head down, consigned to the shadows, but abundant with spirit.

The portrait was previously with the artist’s daughter.

Held in a later frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas laid on board
Overall size: 13½” x 14½” / 34cm x 40cm
Year of creation: c. 1920
Condition: Artwork presents well. Fine craquelure but the paint is stable. Frame with some light wear.

Ines Johnson

Ines Johnson exhibited works at the Royal Academy for over 30 years. She was a member of the Royal Society of Miniature Painters.

Learn more about Ines Johnson in our directory.