Family Group

Artist Philip Connard (Southport, England, 1875 - 1958)

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 66.3 cm, Width: 58.8 cm
Frame: Height: 86.5 cm, Width: 79 cm

AcquisitionPresented in 1920 by Sir James Murray.

CopyrightOrphan work

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG003325

Keywords

About MePhilip Connard was a prolific painter of landscapes, portraits, murals and decorative interiors. He won a scholarship to the Royal College of Art and in 1898 a British Institution Prize which enabled him to study in Paris. During the First World War, Connard was a Captain in the Royal Artillery. After becoming injured, he spent the remainder of his service as an Official War Artist to the Navy.

Although dating from the first decades of the 20th century this painting shows the artist and his family in fancy 'Victorian' costumes - the dramatic yellow dress worn by his wife is of the 1870s. There was a fashion at this time to dress up - especially for the Chelsea Arts Ball, but Connard is also making reference here to the Great Masters of portraiture through history, from Velasquez to John Singer Sargent.