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Ida John (née Nettleship) (1877-1907)

JOHN, Augustus (1878 - 1961)

Ida John (née Nettleship) (1877-1907)

Date: 1901

Media: oil on canvas

Size: 152.4 x 102.1 cm

Acquired: 1972; Purchase

Accession Number: NMW A 168

Painted in about 1901, this portrait of the artist's wife Ida (1877-1907) probably depicts her during her first pregnancy which resulted in the birth of David John in January 1902. Ida had four further children and died of fever and peritonitis following her last delivery. The vibrant brushwork and the composition reveal John's debts to Frans Hals and Edouard Manet. It is probable that Ida is here portrayed in the guise of a gypsy.

Comments (3)

Comments are currently unavailable. We apologise for the inconvenience.
13 September 2021, 06:13
I would like some of Adas work to be viewable she was also an artist
Deidre
1 November 2020, 04:06
I think she put up with a great deal. I don’t think I could have endured all that and then not even be mentioned in his autobiography.
Shirley Davies
26 January 2018, 13:17
Could you explain the symbolism of the animal painted into the right hem of the dress? I was told it was a rat and meant as a derisory comment on their relationship but can find no mention.
Many thanks
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