Painting II
About this artwork
Although by a relatively unknown artist today, this painting is considered a masterpiece of British modernist painting. It shows Stephenson’s interest in modernist architecture, which was emerging in Britain at this time. The abstracted forms are bold, dynamic and uncompromising, suggesting a new and radical spirit of modernity. It was painted in 1937. This year saw the publication of the Circle manifesto and related Circle exhibition, where this painting almost certainly featured. Together these represented the most significant and radical manifestation of modernism of the time and cemented British artists’ position at the forefront of the European avant-garde.
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title:Painting II
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accession number:GMA 5000
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artist:
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materials:Egg tempera on canvas, laid down on board
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date created:1937
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measurements:51.00 x 41.00 cm (framed: 83.00 x 69.90 x 6.50 cm)
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credit line:Purchased with help from the Art Fund 2008
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copyright:© The Estate of John Cecil Stephenson
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photographer:Antonia Reeve
John Cecil Stephenson
John Cecil Stephenson
Stephenson was one of the leading modernist artists working in Britain between the wars. Born in County Durham, he studied at Leeds College of Art, then the Royal College of Art and the Slade in London. After the First World War he moved into a studio at The Mall, in…