Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1920s.
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It’s a typically alluring piece, which captures an enigmatic expression. It’s also referred to as ‘The London Caster Girl’.
Story
Imagine you’re Brockhurst, just four years after World War I. Society has altered and you’re seeking to express something greater than simply a likeness alone. You aim to convey strength, emotion, and character - a sense that times have changed immeasurably yet within each of us there’s permanency. You seek inspiration from another time of great artistic renewal, the Italian Renaissance, and depict your dear wife, Anäis, as a modern ‘old master’.
Context
During this part of his career, Anäis modelled for Brockhurst on numerous occasions - each time with an expression that posed more questions than it answered. It’s intriguing to consider how the two interacted during the sittings.
Throughout his career, Brockhurst was captivated by the various females within his life - besotted by their enigma - until catching the attention of another. He ultimately divorced Anäis via a messy court case, which was reported vividly by the press.
Illustrations from the period show him as quite a plain-looking gentleman, yet under the surface, he courted controversy and emotional turbulence. Perhaps he remains an apt metaphor for the ‘jazz age’ in general.
Learn more about Gerald Leslie Brockhurst in our directory.
Medium: Etching on paper
Overall size: 13” x 14½” / 33cm x 37cm
Year of creation: 1922
Frame: Contemporary, glazed.
Signature: Lower right, pencil.
Condition: Artwork presents well.
Artist Training: Royal Academy and alongside Augustus John.
Public Collections: Royal Academy, Tate, British Museum, Met Museum, National Portrait Gallery, among others.
Artist’s auction maximum: £140,000
Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 1920s.
Exquisite antique paintings that capture the imagination.
You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Brave Fine Art Profile Page
Gerald Leslie Brockhurst, Elizabeth (Anaïs) - Antique Etching
