Artwork
Cyril Jones

Cyril Jones is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Ernest H. D. Lloyd. It dates from 1910 and is held in the collection of the National Library of Wales. Ernest H.
About this work
Overview
Ernest H. D. Lloyd’s oil portrait, titled Cyril Jones, was completed in 1910. The work presents a young male figure rendered in formal dress, set against a deep, unlit backdrop. Currently the painting is part of the collection of the National Library of Wales, where it is displayed as an example of early‑twentieth‑century portraiture.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is a youthful boy, attired in a black suit, white shirt and tie, his hands clasped before him. His expression is subdued, with a direct gaze that engages the viewer. The composition suggests a moment of quiet introspection, inviting contemplation of the boy’s inner state rather than overt narrative.
Technique & Style
Lloyd employs chiaroscuro to separate the illuminated figure from the surrounding darkness, emphasizing facial features and the texture of the clothing. The oil medium allows for smooth gradations of tone, while the restrained palette of blacks, whites and muted flesh tones reinforces the solemn atmosphere. The brushwork is controlled, contributing to the portrait’s formal dignity.
History & Provenance
Since its creation in 1910, the portrait has remained within institutional holdings, eventually entering the National Library of Wales’s archives. The library’s acquisition reflects its mission to preserve Welsh cultural artifacts, and the painting serves as a documented example of Lloyd’s work during his active period in the early twentieth century.
Artist & collection
Artist
British painter Ernest H. D. Lloyd made small, precise portraits in oils around the turn of the century. His brush caught quiet moments, like the one in “Cyril Jones,” a calm figure set against a plain background. He…











