Portraits are one of the most amazing fields of art. They can capture the essence of the sitter, including their physical characteristics and personality. Great work can also reflect other elements, such as social standing. Sir William Nicholson has one of the most impressive collections of sitters. He was such a noteworthy artist in his lifetime that subjects included many prominent figures of the period. Let’s have a look at some of them.
Twelve Portraits (First Series), 1899
Firstly, we must mention one of the most interesting early collections by Nicholson. It features a dozen portraits in his signature style. It was well received, earning a gold medal at the 1900 Exposition Universelle in Paris. There are some really noteworthy sitters here, including:
- Queen Victoria – painted posing with a dog to celebrate her love of animals.
- James McNeill Whistler – one of Nicholson’s friends, and also said to have encouraged him to concentrate on painting.
- Rudyard Kipling – one of the most popular writers in the 19th and 20th centuries; also wrote the verses for Nicholson’s An Alphabet and An Almanac of Twelve Sports.
- Sarah Bernhardt – iconic French stage actress, one of the most prominent performers of her period.
Sir Max Beerholm, 1903
One of the finest portraits by Sir William Nicholson has been on display in the National Portrait Gallery. The sitter is English artist and writer Max Beerholm. It’s a fantastic piece, particularly for the posture, use of shadow, and careful detailing.
J M Barrie, 1904
The Scottish novelist, most famous for creating Peter Pan, also sat for Nicholson. The painting is wonderful for the level of detail, especially around the face.
Gertrude Jekyll, 1920
Another fine piece that has been in the National Portrait Gallery celebrates one of the most significant names in garden design and horticulture. Gertrude Jekyll was prominent, designing hundreds of gardens and earning the Victoria Medal of Honour from the Royal Horticultural Society.
Diana Low, 1933
A later piece by Nicholson has English artist Diana Low sitting for him. It is bright and beautiful. Notably, Nicholson was one of Low’s main influences, inspiring her own work.
Do you want to add a piece by Sir William Nicholson to your art collection?
Nicholson’s work is the perfect addition to any collection, whether you want a stunning portrait, a landscape, still life, or graphics like posters. We have some fantastic pieces at Charter Prints, including from his award winning Almanac of Twelve Sports. You can have a look at them on our website. Then, if you’d like any information, you can contact us.