작품 상세

Walter Nessler, German/British 1912-2001- Portrait of Prudence Ashbee, the wife of the artist, late 1930s/early 1940s; oil on canvas, 54.5 x 43.5cm, (ARR) Provenance: John Denham Gallery, London, where acquired by the present owner Note: In May 1940 Nessler was forced to leave his young wife and baby Conrad, when he was sent to the Huyton Internment Camp. The pressures of the war saw the disintegration of his marriage, Claudia Tobin, described in another portrait by the artist of his wife from this period that there was this ‘ …mournful expression and averted eyes ..[reflecting the] relationship’s internal conflicts.’ (Claudia Tobin, ‘Walter Nessler 1912-2001’ 2013 p.6) There is a similar expression here in the portrait of Ashbee. Prudence Ashbee was the daughter of the renowned Arts & Crafts designer C. R. Ashbee The artist's son, Conrad, has kindly confirmed the authenticity of this piece. Please refer to department for condition report