Gwen John
Gwen John was a Welsh artist known for her intimate portraits of anonymous female sitters.
Gwendolen Mary John
Painter
June 22, 1876
Cancer
September 18, 1939
63
Haverfordwest, Wales
Gwen John, a renowned Welsh painter, gained recognition for her intimate and traditional-style portraits, predominantly featuring anonymous women. Her early works, including “Portrait of Mrs. Atkinson” and “Young Woman with a Violin,” display her skillful use of subdued colors and transparent glazes. Although her brother Augustus John initially overshadowed her, Gwen’s talent has been increasingly acknowledged in recent years, with many considering her the superior artist. She spent most of her career in France, where she continued to create closely-toned portraits of female subjects.