ARTWORKS

The Letter

Gwen John (1876–1939)

Manchester Art Gallery

The Letter

Image credit: Manchester Art Gallery

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An intimate, impressionist painting of a slim young anonymous female sitter with long dark hair, seated in an armchair with a small table to her left, reading a letter. The painting depicts subtle colour relationships, in this case purples are used in varying shades such as mauve and lilac. Gwen John often painted small-scale to enhance the intimate nature of the works. On the table to the sitter's left is a light brown teapot and cup and saucer. The paint application is daubed creating a subtle, overall mottled effect.

Manchester Art Gallery

Manchester

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Title

The Letter

Date

1924

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 41.1 x W 33.2 cm

Accession number

1925.255

Acquisition method

gift from Charles Rutherston, 1925

Work type

Painting

Inscription description

Unsigned

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Normally on display at

Manchester Art Gallery

Manchester Art Gallery, Mosley Street, Manchester, Greater Manchester M2 3JL England

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Artist or maker

Gwen John

1876–1939

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