Self Portrait

Self Portrait

Date: date currently not known (c.1920s)
Dimensions:
711.2 x 609.6 mm
Medium: Oil on canvas
Object number: GA0527
DescriptionFrank Medworth depicts himself here with a rather somber expression on his face, gazing directly at the viewer. The yellow tulips peer from around his shoulder, almost matching the colour of his tie and leading to the room beyond the curtains.

The air of fatigue is prominent and clashes with the brightness of the flowers. His right shoulder is far lower than his left suggesting that he is perhaps in the process of painting this self portrait and is glancing towards the mirror for reference. Born in Southwark, Medworth studied at Camberwell School of Art and Crafts before serving with HM Forces from 1914 to 1919. He was secretary to the South London Group between 1925 and 1927 before emigrating to Australia in 1938. He taught as a university lecturer as well as taking a position as acting director at the National Art Gallery of New South Wales. His life was cut short when he tragically died in Mexico in 1947.