Thank you very much for this very interesting biography of Gwen John and for the accompanying paintings that you have selected. Until today I knew little about her except that she was the brother of Augustus John, that he thought she was a better artist and that she was Rodin’s lover. Now I have a picture of key moments frim her whole life. I like some aspects of her paintings, like the depiction of the texture of the pages of the books in one of the ones that you have selected. It would be interesting to know more about her day to day life, and to know what she thought of her friends and lovers and about life in general and what they the thought of her. I guess I should read one or more of the books from your book list. I was saddened to hear of her tragic death.
Those muted tones you describe are just heavenly - a lot in common with Whistler, but distinct as well. It sound like Gwen felt the world very deeply - from painting to lovers. What a passionate soul. Interesting also the elements of money you weave in here and the narrative that money can indeed buy freedom for an artist to truly create without inhibitions.
Since becoming a paid subscriber, I believe this is the first bio I’ve received, and I have enjoyed it immensely. I live in Nova Scotia, Canada, and first heard of Gwen John when I saw some of her work at Tate Britain in 2004. Beautiful work. Fascinating person. Thank you.
So interesting! I fell in love with Gwen John's work on a recent trip to England. I feel like once you get to know her, you can spot her paintings from a mile away. How sad to learn she died such a sad death.
Another evocative biography. For me, a new genre of fascinating reads. Gwen John's work, whilst muted and with a certain melancholy, makes no compromise on detail and realism... dreamlike windows through time.
What a lovely and fascinating read. She lead a very bohemian life considering most people of that time probably never left the area they were born let alone travel and live in another country
Lovely writing, thank you. I had been aware of Gwen John for some years, but really only discovered her ( and Celia Paul herself) through Celia Paul's wonderful Letters to Gwen John. Beautiful refined paintings that become even more poignant when we learn of John's turbulent passion.
This was a lovely, Victoria, thank you. I'd never heard of Gwen John before reading - what a fascinating woman. Her time in Paris in the late 1890s must have been incredible.
Such evocative paintings, Victoria. Lovely essay, as always, introducing me to a painter I didn't know a thing about. Makes one wonder about hidden wonders ...
Really appreciated this, having read a bit about the Bloomsbury Group, but not much mention was made of Gwen John. Love the portrait with the black cat, as I am a “cat lady” as well. I’ll have to see if I can obtain a print of this one!
Thank you very much for this very interesting biography of Gwen John and for the accompanying paintings that you have selected. Until today I knew little about her except that she was the brother of Augustus John, that he thought she was a better artist and that she was Rodin’s lover. Now I have a picture of key moments frim her whole life. I like some aspects of her paintings, like the depiction of the texture of the pages of the books in one of the ones that you have selected. It would be interesting to know more about her day to day life, and to know what she thought of her friends and lovers and about life in general and what they the thought of her. I guess I should read one or more of the books from your book list. I was saddened to hear of her tragic death.
Those muted tones you describe are just heavenly - a lot in common with Whistler, but distinct as well. It sound like Gwen felt the world very deeply - from painting to lovers. What a passionate soul. Interesting also the elements of money you weave in here and the narrative that money can indeed buy freedom for an artist to truly create without inhibitions.
Thank you for an enlightening biography on an artist I knew nothing about!
Since becoming a paid subscriber, I believe this is the first bio I’ve received, and I have enjoyed it immensely. I live in Nova Scotia, Canada, and first heard of Gwen John when I saw some of her work at Tate Britain in 2004. Beautiful work. Fascinating person. Thank you.
So interesting! I fell in love with Gwen John's work on a recent trip to England. I feel like once you get to know her, you can spot her paintings from a mile away. How sad to learn she died such a sad death.
Another evocative biography. For me, a new genre of fascinating reads. Gwen John's work, whilst muted and with a certain melancholy, makes no compromise on detail and realism... dreamlike windows through time.
A lovely read! I’ve always liked the works of both her and her brother. Such talent, and an interesting ‘bohemian’ lifestyle.
Always enjoyed John's work (especially the self-portrait with her cat) and this is such a good introduction
What a lovely and fascinating read. She lead a very bohemian life considering most people of that time probably never left the area they were born let alone travel and live in another country
Lovely writing, thank you. I had been aware of Gwen John for some years, but really only discovered her ( and Celia Paul herself) through Celia Paul's wonderful Letters to Gwen John. Beautiful refined paintings that become even more poignant when we learn of John's turbulent passion.
Absolutely loved learning about this artist - thank you! Sleeping in fields for her work, at this time period, I have so many more questions!
This was a lovely, Victoria, thank you. I'd never heard of Gwen John before reading - what a fascinating woman. Her time in Paris in the late 1890s must have been incredible.
Such evocative paintings, Victoria. Lovely essay, as always, introducing me to a painter I didn't know a thing about. Makes one wonder about hidden wonders ...
Really appreciated this, having read a bit about the Bloomsbury Group, but not much mention was made of Gwen John. Love the portrait with the black cat, as I am a “cat lady” as well. I’ll have to see if I can obtain a print of this one!
Some of these paintings remind me of Hammershoi's calm interiors with women sewing and reading letters. Thanks for another visual feast!
Superb. Thank you