A Young Nun
About this artwork
The subject of this portrait is an unknown nun from the convent of the Dominican Sisters of Charity at Meudon, near Paris. Around 1913, John received a commission from the convent to paint a portrait of the nun who founded the order in 1696. The commission took several years to complete, partly because a number of the nuns requested copies to hang in their own rooms. The artist then worked for about twelve years on a series of portraits of nuns, of which this painting is one. The narrow tonal range, delicately textured surface and quiet sensitivity are typical of Gwen John's work.
Updated before 2020
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artist:
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title:A Young Nun
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date created:About 1915 - 1920
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materials:Oil on canvas
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measurements:65.10 x 49.00 cm; Framed: 75.30 x 58.90 x 8.00 cm
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object type:
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credit line:Purchased 1970
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accession number:GMA 1116
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gallery:
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subject:
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artwork photographed by:Antonia Reeve
Gwen John
Gwen John
Born in Pembrokeshire, Wales, Gwen John was the elder sister of the artist Augustus John. She studied at the Slade School of Fine Art in London and at the Whistler School in Paris, settling there in 1904. John modelled for the sculptor Auguste Rodin and was his mistress for a decade. On becoming a...