This masterful early 20th-century oil painting by English artist Mary Lemon Waller (1851-1931) depicts Miss Doris B Holloway (1915-2011) at age 4. She’s standing before a far-reaching view while carrying daisies and buttercups.
Often compared with the great Sir Joshua Reynolds, Mary Lemon Waller was a distinguished portrait painter who was highly regarded for her depictions of children. She trained at Gloucester Art School and Royal Academy Schools where she boarded with several other aspiring painters including Helen Allingham RWS (1848-1926).
Her portrayals are refined, yet not overworked, and retain a sense of the sitter’s underlying spirit. In this regard, The Queen newspaper described her as possessing a “sense of beauty” and a “cultivated natural taste”. In 1877, she debuted at the Royal Academy and soon established a solid reputation as one of Britain’s finest child portraitists. As such, she undertook numerous commissions including those from Italy, the USA, and South America. In 1891, she was elected to the Royal Society of Portrait Painters and holds the accolade of being the first female honorary member.
In this piece from 1919, she’s captured young Doris exquisitely. Carefully rendering a likeness, while working the background energetically. The sweeping marks surrounding the figure are gestural and describe an abundance of youthful vivacity.
Doris B Holloway was born in London to William Claude Holloway and Elisabeth Betty Holloway (nee Citroen). Her grandfather, David Citroen, was a director of luxury car manufacturer, Minerva Motors, and commissioned the portrait. David’s cousin was a founder of the Citroen brand, so motoring was strong in the family.
Surrounded by entrepreneurs, it’s no surprise that Doris, too, eventually ran a substantial business. Following the death of her husband in the 1960s, she took over as the Chairperson of Morris Carpets and managed a team of over 300 employees. She did so while also raising five children - a feat that she handled modestly when talking to the press, explaining:
“Making the right decision whether in the kitchen or the boardroom is basically a matter of common sense”. “After all, it’s usually a woman who chooses the carpets!”
Prior to her marriage, she studied art in London and surely would’ve been enamoured with this fine portrayal. Especially as it was produced by such a remarkable female artist.
Signed/dated lower right and held within its original gilt frame.
Learn more about Mary Lemon Waller in our directory.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 37” x 47” / 94cm x 119cm
Year of creation: 1919
Labels & Inscriptions: Inscription relating to Frederick Charles Buck, framemaker and dealer of 21 Baker St who supplied frames to John Singer Sargent and Philip de László. This address was used between 1900 and 1923. Exhibition label with artist’s details and referring to the owner as William C Holloway, Doris’ father. Tag referring to the sitter Doris B Holloway and David Citroen who commissioned the portrait.
Provenance: Commissioned by David Citroen (grandfather) / William C Holloway (father) / Thence by family descent.
Condition: Assessed and approved by our conservator. Frame restored.
Artist’s auction maximum: £20,000
Our reference: BRV1792
