Though her portraits of determined women and contemplative interiors have long been admired, Gwen John has often played second fiddle, whether to her famous brother, the artist Augustus John, or to her romantic partner, the French sculptor August Rodin. This exhibition at Pallant House Gallery in Chichester (13 May–8 October) returns her to the centre of attention, revealing how she forged an independent career and style. More than 120 works go on show, including a series of early portraits that were produced while John was studying in London and the interiors she created after her move to Paris in 1904. Other highlights include a rarely shown portrait, Woman Dressing (c. 1907), while John’s relationship with Rodin is explored through works such as Autoportrait à la Lettre (c. 1907–09) and Rodin’s Head of Gwen John (c. 1907). Find out more on Pallant House Gallery’s website.
Preview below | View Apollo’s Art Diary
The Seated Woman (The Convalescent) (c. 1910–20), Gwen John. Ferens Art Gallery, Hull
La Chambre Sur la Cour (c. 1907–08), Gwen John. Yale Centre for British Art, New Haven
Landscape at Tenby with Figures (c. 1896–97), Gwen John. Tenby Museum and Art Gallery
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