This fascinating late 19th-century head study by British artist Arthur Paine Garratt (1873-1955) depicts a young lady from two angles.
With broad expressive marks and areas of impasto, he’s captured a sense of life, before rotating the canvas 180 degrees and painting her from the other side. We’ve not seen a similar effect done quite as well. It was clearly intended for the studio and perhaps in advance of a larger work. There’s another portrait on the reverse.
Garratt was highly regarded and famous for his portrayals of leading figures such as Mary of Teck, Queen Consort of King George V, and the sculptor Auguste Rodin. He was born in London but spent many years in the USA.
Signed/dated mid-left and inscribed ‘Gaslight Studio’.
Which way would you hang it?
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 16” x 22” / 41cm x 56cm
Year of creation: 1898
Provenance: Private collection, England
Condition: Artwork presents well. Frame with some light wear.
Artist’s auction maximum: £2,417
Arthur Paine Garratt was an accomplished British painter of portraits and interiors. He trained at the City of London School and exhibited at numerous venues including Royal Academy and Paris Salon where he was awarded a gold medal. Various dignitaries sat for him including Mary of Teck, Queen Consort of King George V. He also produced two portraits of the sculptor Auguste Rodin. Such was his demand that he travelled to the USA on several occasions for commissions and shows.
He’s represented at the National Portrait Gallery, Royal Collection Trust and Government Art Collection.
Learn more about Arthur Paine Garratt in our directory.
We care profoundly about our role as custodians and every piece in the collection has been assessed by our conservator. When required, we undertake professional restoration carefully using reversible techniques and adopt a light touch to retain the aged charm of each work. We also often restore frames rather than replace them as many are original and selected by the artists themselves.
