Graham Sutherland with his portrait of Somerset Maugham

1 portrait of Graham Sutherland

© Cecil Beaton Archive / Condé Nast

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Graham Sutherland with his portrait of Somerset Maugham

by Cecil Beaton
bromide print mounted on white card, 1949
9 1/4 in. x 8 1/4 in. (236 mm x 208 mm)
Given by Sir Cecil Beaton, 1968
Photographs Collection
NPG x14213

Sitterback to top

  • Graham Vivian Sutherland (1903-1980), Painter. Sitter in 62 portraits, Artist or producer associated with 23 portraits.

Artistback to top

  • Cecil Beaton (1904-1980), Photographer, designer and writer. Artist or producer associated with 1113 portraits, Sitter associated with 360 portraits.

This portraitback to top

Beaton photographed Sutherland whilst he was at work on his memorable portrait of Somerset Maugham (1949, Tate Gallery collection). The portrait of Maugham was Sutherland's first and followed a meeting at St-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Côte d'Azur. Maugham gave Sutherland about ten sittings, and Sutherland worked on the painting whilst away from the model. The portrait that Maugham called ' magnificent' established Sutherland's reputation for portrait painting.

Subject/Themeback to top

Events of 1949back to top

Current affairs

Following the Republic of Ireland Act in 1948, the Irish Free State becomes the Republic of Ireland and leaves the Commonwealth. The functions previously given to the King were handed to the President of Ireland.
The Second Parliament Act diminishes the power of the House of Lords, reducing their authority to delay bills from two years to one.

Art and science

George Orwell publishes his dystopian novel, 1984. The book imagines a future where totalitarian governments rule; their power based on continual war abroad, and overwhelming propaganda and surveillance at home. With 'Big Brother' keeping a constant check on the citizens' actions and thoughts, the individual loses the faculties of free will and independent thought.

International

The People's Republic of China is created after the Communist Party wins the Civil War. China became a communist country under Mao Zedong.
Cold War tensions increase as Germany is split into the democratic Federal Republic of Germany in the west (a union of the post-war British, French and American sectors), and the communist German Democratic Republic, in the east.

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