Artwork

Professor Henry Fawcett

Professor Henry Fawcett, by Hubert von Herkomer, oil, 1894
Professor Henry Fawcett, by Hubert von Herkomer, oil, 1894

Professor Henry Fawcett is an oil painting by the Post-Impressionist artist Hubert von Herkomer. It dates from 1894 and is held in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum.

About this work

Overview

Hubert von Herkomer's 1894 oil painting, Professor Henry Fawcett, is a portrait of the British economist and politician Henry Fawcett.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts Fawcett seated in a chair, wearing formal attire, with a somber atmosphere conveyed through the dark background and his serious expression. Fawcett's blindness is not visually represented, but his condition is the subject of the portrait.

Technique & Style

Rendered in a post-impressionist style, the work showcases Herkomer's attention to detail, particularly in Fawcett's face, while the dark background features a subtle gradient of brown hues.

History & Provenance

The painting was created by Hubert von Herkomer, a Bavarian-born British artist known for his realistic depictions of social conditions and portraiture, as well as his work in film direction and composition.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Hubert von Herkomer

Artist

Hubert von Herkomer

Sir Hubert von Herkomer (born as Hubert Herkomer; 26 May 1849 – 31 March 1914) was a Bavarian-born British painter, pioneering film-director, and composer.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Fitzwilliam Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.