Artwork

John Masefield

John Masefield, by William Strang, 1904
John Masefield, by William Strang, 1904

John Masefield is a print by William Strang. It dates from 1904 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

William Strang's 'John Masefield' (c. 1904) is a black-and-white portrait print housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art, featuring the poet in a contemplative pose.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, John Masefield, is depicted sitting with hands on knees, set against a backdrop with symbolic elements: a globe and a bust, suggesting intellectual and literary pursuits.

Technique & Style

Strang employed strong chiaroscuro, using bold light and dark shadows to create a dramatic, stage-like effect, accentuated by rough, textured brushstrokes for a gritty texture.

History & Provenance

Created around 1904, the work is part of The Cleveland Museum of Art's collection, with no detailed provenance provided in available records.

Artist & collection

Portrait of William Strang

Artist

William Strang

William Strang (13 February 1859 – 12 April 1921) was a Scottish painter and printmaker, notable for illustrating the works of Bunyan, Cervantes, Coleridge, Kipling, and others.

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