T.V.

Artist William Roberts (London, England, 1895 - 1980)

Dateexh. 1960

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 101.7 cm, Width: 183 cm
Frame: Height: 118.8 cm, Width: 200.3 cm

AcquisitionPurchased in 1960 with income from the Macdonald Bequest.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG003924

Keywords

About MeWhen Roberts painted this work in 1960 a television set was by no means a universal household item. Robert's viewers are deeply absorbed in watching the boxing match on the screen, one man even echoes the action of the boxers. They do not glance out of the picture towards us but appear totally self contained - even the dog. We are observing them as if through a window, unseen and pressing our noses against the cold pane.
Roberts was associated with the movement known as Vorticism, which was an English adaptation of French Cubism. He had what he called a 'Vorticist Year' in 1914-15, thereafter he evolved his own figurative style in which the geometric shapes from which his figures are built remain from his flirtation with Vorticism. His figure style is reminiscent of that of Fernand Leger but Roberts' people have highly expressive faces and are always seen participating in some communal activity.

Adopted by Anonymous indweller of Aberdeen.

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Collections Wall

In 1960, televisions were still uncommon, hence the absorption of the whole family, whose appearances are reminiscent of the figures of Ferdinand Leger, though with expressive faces